Percussion reveals zones of partial or complete dulness when the lesions are near the surface of the lung, which, however, is rare. Bournay has noted the occurrence of a musical sound resembling that obtained by tapping a small crystal or glass bell.
Auscultation is said to reveal rough or sibilant râles, but as the lesions occur only in animals whose respiratory apparatus has already been impaired, it is difficult to offer an opinion on the subject.
These signs are invariably accompanied by a certain amount of general ill-health, wasting, and irregularity of appetite and of rumination.
On post-mortem examination the lung of the affected animal appears strewn with nodules, varying in size between a hazel-nut and a walnut. On section, Bournay claims to have found a wall or fibrous shell covering a greenish cryptogamic growth, in the centre of which was a yellowish, sharply defined kernel formed of masses of fungi (Mycelium, sterigmata and spores). In cases of rapid development, the pulmonary tissue around the parasitic lesion is completely hepatised.
Diagnosis. Diagnosis is impossible without recourse to microscopic examination of the discharge. This examination, which, however, is somewhat difficult, may, after staining, result in the detection of débris of the mycelial filaments and of spores, with or without bacilli of tuberculosis. The diagnosis as regards fungi can only be assured by preparing cultures.
Prognosis. The prognosis is grave, because the disease is always superadded to lesions, which of themselves would justify a sombre view.
Treatment. In consequence of the small number of observations published and the difficulty in diagnosis, no rational treatment has hitherto been laid down. From a purely theoretical standpoint, fumigations with tar and essence of turpentine and the inhalation of carbolic spray have been recommended. Life in the open air would, without doubt, be equally or more efficacious. Preventive treatment consists in withholding musty fodder and keeping the stables clean.
GANGRENOUS BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA DUE TO FOREIGN BODIES.
Foreign bodies which find their way into the trachea instead of the œsophagus provoke in most cases broncho-pneumonia, which very rapidly terminates in gangrene and death.
Causation. Forced feeding of sick animals which have lost their appetite is one of the principal causes of this grave condition. In order to administer food such as mashes, gruel, hay tea, etc., the oxherds have a bad habit of lifting the entire head and drawing forward the tongue whilst they pour the concoctions into the animal’s mouth. The liquid cannot then be divided into portions, deglutition in the pharynx is badly effected, and the substances administered find their way partly into the larynx and partly into the œsophagus. In the case of astringent, bitter, or highly stimulating drugs, a similar accident may be caused by spasm of the pharynx or œsophagus, where the tongue has not been left free and excessive quantities have been given.