71G 
DISEASES OF THE KESFIllATORY ORGANS. 
The main difficulty is the condition of the blood, and the 
obstruction of the usual outlets for the effete matters which 
arc rapidly destroying the animal. Prostration being a pro¬ 
minent symptom puts bleeding at once out of the question. 
Purgatives meet with no more consideration, from the fact 
that spontaneous diarrhoea is frequently the immediate cause 
of the aniniaFs death. 
Diuretics, diaphoretics, and antiseptics, however, having 
no objectionable action, may be employed for the purpose of 
restoring, as far as possible, the functions of the skin and 
kidneys, and rectifying the morbid secretions. 
How far it is possible to impart oxygen to the blood by the 
cxliibition of salts containing an excess of it, is an open ques¬ 
tion at present, but no harm can result from the use of chlo¬ 
rate of potass, permanganate of potash, and when it can be 
obtained, the sulphite of soda, whose antiseptic action seems to 
depend upon the large amount of sulphurous acid it contains; 
the liyposulphate being more accessible, we have given in the 
drinkwater two ounce doses daily with apparent benefit. By 
the use of the agents quoted, or of others having similar 
properties, we fulfil the first indication; that is to say, we 
attempt the chemical purification of the blood, but an equally 
urgent necessity exists to protect the lungs at the commence¬ 
ment of the attack by counter-irritants. Accelerated re¬ 
spiration is usually seen very early. Auscultation indicates 
increased density from the first; the circulation, though 
feeble, is always quick, and to a certainty a large portion of 
the blood sent into the lungs will remain there, unless we can 
establish a derivative action. So long as the blisters or 
cataplasms are applied to a surface still retaining enough 
susceptibility to be acted upon, we may liope for a favorable 
residt. But as soon as the skin ceases to be sensitive to the 
stimulants used, we have absolute evidence that the pros¬ 
tration is bordering upon collapse. 
Warned b}’' many examples, we do not hesitate on the 
first appearance of disturbed respiration or increased bron¬ 
chial sound, to apply mustard to the sides or front of the 
chest or both, and to lepeat the application in a few hours, 
should the lungs not experience relief. 
Tonics we have exhibited almost at the beginning in every 
case that has been treated successfully, preferring bark and 
mineral acids to all others, in the proportion of ten drops of 
nitric or hydrochloric acid to a pint of water containing in 
mixture half an ounce of bark. This dose may be given 
once a day, while febrifuge agents, the nitrate of potash, for 
instance, with a little nitric ether; and if the mucous 
