Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others].

Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    604/690 (page 522)
    Prognosis.—The mortality in this disease may he as high as 25 per cent, hut it is usually not more than 10 per cent. If there is a special tendency to complications of some sort, the mortality is increased. Alterations..—At the time of death from edematous pneumonia we frequently find septic changes and the evidences of putrefaction. The solidification of the lung tissue is found irregular in shape and high up around the root of the lungs and around the large bronchi, and is gen- erally covered by sound lung tissue. The anterior lobes of the lungs are usually entirely affected. The diseased portion appears of a gray yellowish color, somewhat watery, and tears readily. Matter is found in the air tubes which form gutters through the jelly-like mass of the diseased lung. Abscesses from the size of a nut to larger masses may be found disseminated through the lungs. The blood is dark in color, fluid, or only clotted into soft,, jelly-like masses.. Masses of gangre- nous or dead black tissue may be present. Treatment.—Bleeding is not to be used because it would only still further weaken an already enfeebled animal; antimony or the alterants would increase the depression of a too depraved constitution. There is in this disease no acute congestion of a particular organ to draw off by depletive measures, nor any violent blood current to be retarded, for fear of hyper nutrition of any special part. Revulsives do good, as they excite the nervous system and awaken the torpor of the weakened blood vessels, which aid in the reestablish- ment of the functions. Mustard poultices may be applied over the belly and sides of the chest, as in other diseases, but caution must be used in the employment of blisters, as ugly ulcers may result from their action on a tissue of weakened vitality. Setons are dangerous from the great tendency in this disease to septic complications. Repeated friction of the legs by hand-rubbing and warmth by banda- ging and by rubbing the surface of the body with turpentine and alcohol, which is immediately to be dried by rough towels, will excite the circulation and stimulate the emunctories of the skin. Stimulants are given internally from the outset of the disease. Tur- pentine in 1-dram doses regulates the heart and excites the kidneys to carry off waste matter, but if repeated too frequently may disturb the already delicate digestive system. Alcohol rectifies the latter danger, and is a useful stimulant to the heart and digestive system, if given •with care in small doses. It is an antiputrid, and is especially indi- cated when septic complications and gangrene are present. The aro- matics and bitter tonics are useful; gentian and tea in warm decoction form a useful menstruum for other remedies. Digitalis is a useful remedy. Strichnine and quinine may be given throughout almost the whole course of the disease. The various preparations of iron are astringents and excitants to the digestive sj^stem. Carbolic acid is an antiputrid which is of marked benefit in edematous pneumonia; it should be given in small doses diluted in alcohol.