8 
PLEURISY. 
right, but to a much less extent; for the costal pleurisy ex- 
tended only half way from the sternum towards the vertebrae. 
The pleural surfaces of both lungs were inflamed, but not 
severely ; the right lung was covered with a film of lymph 
throughout. The dorsal surface of the left lung was per- 
fectly healthy and smooth. The pulmonary structure was 
compressed and firm, but healthy in texture. The heart 
was soft, but not remarkably so ; its size was greater than 
natural ; weight normal. The abdominal viscera were healthy, 
except the liver ; this organ presented that engorged or vascu- 
lar and softened state which is almost always present when 
any prolonged thoracic disease prevents a natural transit of 
blood through the heart. 
This mare lived twenty-six days after being reported un- 
well. Death occurs at an earlier period in most cases of fatal 
pleuritis, for we not unfrequently find that this disease, by 
ending in copious exudation, will destroy life in six, seven, or 
eight days. As is well known, w r e sometimes observe a sud- 
den apparent improvement about the fourth or fifth day, or 
even earlier. Respiration seems easier, the fever diminishes, 
the legs become warm, the appetite improves, and the patient 
will even lie down ; yet, unless the pulse become slower and 
softer, all other ameliorations are but fallacious. An increas- 
ingly quick pulse then, although the only unfavorable symp- 
tom, too often indicates the accumulation of fluid in the pleu- 
ral sacs. One primary effect of slight w atery exudation is to 
separate the previously contiguous sore and inflamed pulmo- 
nary and costal pleuras ; pain is thus mitigated, and greater 
temporary freedom in breathing is insured; this induces a more 
perfect aeration of blood in the lungs, and tends to equalize 
animal heat, as is show n by an increasing warmth of the extre- 
mities. As the fluid accumulates in greater quantity, the lungs 
undergo compression, and w e have another train of symptoms. 
I believe that the presence of a small quantity of fluid, say of 
a gallon or so, can be most satisfactorily made out by auscul- 
tation. When the exudation increases to three, four, and five 
gallons, there are certain distinctive symptoms which are pretty 
safely relied upon by those not skilled in stethoscopic practice. 
The symptoms to which I allude are such as the following — 
great flapping action of the aim n£si; extended nose, with 
dusky Schneiderian membrane ; transparent eye, pinched fea- 
tures, and prominent facial veins ; quick respiration of a highly 
abdominal character, causing great lifting of the loins; inspi- 
rations shallow, and occupying even less time than expirations ; 
a prominent muscular ridge extending along the line formed 
by the false costal cartilages; working or labouring action of the 
