Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-03-22
GNurtester 4allp spp.
From Veterinary Medicines &c, by Finlay Dunn V s.
PLEURo-PNEUM0NIA EPIz00TIC OF CATTLE

PLEUR0-PNEUM0NIAE PIZO0TIC OF CATTLE
An epizootic form of pleuro-pueumonia has
existed from time immemorial amongst the
horned cattle of continental Europe and made
Its appearance In Great Britain in l84l, where
1t has prevailed ever since. 1t differs from the
pleuro-pneum0nia just described in affecting
at the same time most of the structures within
the chest, in exhibiting an early tendency to
eXudatiOn in assuming a chronic and typhoid
form, and in being on these accounts greatly
more difficult to cure. Whilst in some cases
depending, to all appearance, upon the ordina-
ry causes OF eplz0Otics, it is often traceable to
contagion, resembling in this respect the ty
pEoid pneumonia of man and influenza in the
horse, both Of which are occasionally conta-
gious. 1t first appeared in the West of En-
gland, shortly after the introduction of stock
from Ireland, where it had previously COM
mitted great devastation. 1t spread through
out the country slowly and gradually. 1t has
occurred most frequently and severely among
stocks replenished by animals purchased in
open market; while it has been successfully
kept out of some farms and localities by using
,nfhe precauton of purchasing only healthy ami
mais. Such facts appear to me sufficient to
justify the belief that contagion is a cause of
pleuro pneumonia. But | would by no means
consider it as the only and inyarable cause
The disease, like other epizootics, certainly
seems sometimes to occur independently of
contagion, and apparently from atmospheric
causes, and moreover is always most frequent
and fatal where the system is in depressed or
vitiated state from over-crowding, insufficient
ventilation, filth, exposure to cold winds and
other causes which impair the vital powers.
ISymptOmS.-The disease come on very nsid-
iousIy, and often makes considerable progress
before any symptoms are observed. In milk
tho n1Iar hanon,os md
and the milk diminished in quantity and trothy
There is a Short halt involuntary cough
Soon the animal gets dull, the appetite and ru-
minatiOn irregular, the mouth, horns, and legs
hot, or alternately hot and cold, and the breath
ing and pulse quickened. Percussion over the
chest ELECTS dull sound and auscutaton de-
tects Il crumpling crepitatiHg noise, which, as
the disease advances, becomes louder, and
subsequently inaudible. The breathing be-
comes more difficult, and accompanied by a
grunt, which is most audible at the commence
ment of expiration. The animal, when stand
ing, turns out is fore eXtremiues, and arches
its back; and when lying, rests on its broad
fiat, thickly padded sternum, thus increasing
the lateral expansion of the chest. 1t usually
lies towards the side that is most diseased,
thus allowing the utmost freedom of action to
the healthy side. The pulse, at first tolerably
full, becomes SMALL quick, and indistinct
From the filling up Of the lungs with eXuda
ton, the blood is imperfecty aerated, the sys-
TEN consequently is badly nourished the mus
Giles waste, digestion is impaired, leading to
tympanitis or darrhea, the strength fails, and
death occurs usually in from ten to twenty
days.
The right lung is more often and extensive
ly diseased than the left, and the lower more
commonly than the upper parts of the lung.
The interobuar structures are early infltrated
with serum; lymph in large quantities, with
emulation corpuscles and subsequently pus
follow, until the lung structure becomes filed
up and solidiied, and aeration of blood arrest
ed. The pulmonary pleura, like the interior
ular spaces, being nOurished by the bronchial
arteries, speedily takes on the disease fluid
is thus poured into the cavity of the chest,
while spongy, thickened mucus accumulates
in the bronchial tubes. Even where recovery
takes place, some traces of the disease long
remain; the lung in places is hardened, mot
tied, and solidiied; large scars mark the Ii.
quetying and removing of dead portions,
which are also sometimes found enclosed in
tough fibrous sacs the surfaces of the pleura
are roughened and Opaque, and the opposing
surfaces are often connected by shreds of
lymph.
Treatments disease, since its first ap-
pearance in this country, has gradually become
lllOIG dulGHdDlG ~ uCdtIllClll anu, uHu6I Id
tiOnal management, more than one-half Of the
cases now affected recover. Some practition
ers, indeed, have been successful in ten out of
twelve, but few can boast of so high an ave-
rage; and it is still advisable, where beast
in good condition is affected, to have him taken
to the shambles without delay. AS emulation
occurs so early-betore indeed, anything is
observed to be amiss-blood- letting and other
reducing agents are quite inadmissible Pro-
vide the patient with a cool, airy, comfortable
house, give from 25 to 80 drops of tincture of
aconite four times day order small doses of
some saline medicine, such as two ounces each
of nitre and common salt, which will help to
keep up the action of the bowels, skin, and
kidneys; bandage the legs, and lightly clothe
the body; interdict all solid food, but allow
thin mashes, treacle water, cold water, or
whatever simple fluids the animal will drink
of its own accord Where the bowels are
costive, laxatives must be given; but they
must be used cautiD usly, as the intestines are
apt to be very irritable. By the second or
third day counter irritants are serviceable.
Apply to the side, or sides, sacks or horse
clotes wrung out of boiling water, and subse-
quently rub in mustard paste, or equal parts
of cantharides and euphorbium. If no change
for the better occurs about the third or fourth
day, give three times daily half-ounce doses of
commercial sulphuric acid dissolved in about
two quarts of water, ounce doses of ginger
and gentian, or four drachms of sulphate of
iron. Where there-is debility, arrested secre
ton, and cold eXtremities, give several times
a day quart of warm ale, with an ounce each
of ginger, and cardamoms, fenugreec, or other
aromatics. Three-ounce doses of sweet spirit
of nitre, or a quantity of whisky.toddy with
aromatics, may be substituted if preferred.
Recovery may be expected when the appetite
returns, the milk is more freely yielded, and
the breathing and pulse become more natural !;
but great care must be taken that the animal
does not eat too freely, as dangerous indiges-
ton is apt to occur. A mash diet, with plenty
treacle and little wheat flour and oil-cake, is
better at first than solid food requiring rumi
nation. Nitre and salt 1.-TWO ounces Of each)
must be given daily, to keep the excretory
organs in action, and expedite the removal of
the products of inflammation. To prevent
the extension of the disease, enjoin strict sep
aration Of the sound and the sick, and pay
particular attention to ventilation, cleanliness,
and the general comfort and health of the
herd. incubation, where fairly tried, is found
quite Intellectual.