Diseases of the Respiratory System
MANY DISEASES OF the respiratory system are part of the overall picture of specific diseases, e.g. Distemper, and reference
should be made to these under the appropriate heading. Respiratory ailments developing in the absence of such diseases
are relatively uncommon and arise more often as an accompaniment of breed anatomy and structure of various parts, e.g
Greyhounds and Great Danes may be more disposed to pneumonia because of small or narrow thoracic capacity, while
breeds such as the French Bulldog and Pekingese exhibit upper respiratory, especially nasal, trouble. The following condi-
tions are the ones most likely to be encountered in the species as a whole
1. RHINITIS
This is the name given to inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane and occurs only rarely as a separate entity. It is
more often an accompaniment to specific disease.
ETIOLOGY. The inflammatory process is usually started by some irritant factor, but secondary infection soon sets in which
changes the character of the discharge. Staphylococcal organisms are usually implicated in these cases.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Nasal discharge is a constant sign. This starts as serous and thin, becoming in stages mucous and finally
muco-purulent. Streaks of blood may be present. The discharge may be acrid, in which case excoriation of the nostrils
will be seen, and when persistent muco-purulent discharges are present they impede breathing because of obstruction of
nostrils
TREATMENT. Various useful remedies are available for the relief of rhinitis and these include the following more com-
monly used
1. ARSEN. ALB. 30c. This is a useful remedy in the early stages when the discharge is thin and excoriating. There may be an
accompanying watery discharge from the eyes in subjects who need this remedy, and also the patient may be thirsty for
small quantities of water and have a dry, staring coat.
2. PULSATILLA 30c. Mild-tempered animals showing changeable moods may respond well to this remedy, the discharge
being thick and creamy. There may be ulceration of the nostril area, and small streaks of blood may show.
3. MERCURIUS 6c. The discharge associated with this remedy assumes a greenish tinge and may contain blood. The nasal
bones are frequently swollen. The remedy should be used either in the metallic form-SOLUBIUS-or as the CORROSIVUS
salt.
4. ALLIUM CEPA 6c. Discharges are usually thin and watery accompanied by sneezing and lachrymation when this remedy
is indicated. It could be useful in the very early stages.
5. KALI JOD 30c. A useful remedy for those cases where the discharge becomes impacted and there is an attempt to sneeze
which is usually ineffectual. Watering of the eyes is a prominent accompanying symptom.
6. KALI BICH. 6c. Discharges assume a bright yellow colour and develop into small plugs which have a tough, stringy ap-
pearance. Streaks of blood are often present.
7. ACID. FLUOR. 30c. If the nasal septum is suspected as a cause, e.g. ulceration, this remedy may help indirectly by aiding
the healing process.
2. EPISTAXIS
Nose bleeding is rarely seen as an independent condition in the dog, most cases being due to mechanical injury. Occasion-
ally it follows severe inflammatory lesions affecting the turbinate bones or upper nasal mucous membranes. The presence
of tumours in the nasal cavity may also give rise to bleeding.
TREATMENT. With the exception of nasal tumours, which are more properly the field of surgery, the following remedies
have all proved effective according to the nature of the bleeding and other symptoms displayed:
1. ACONITUM 6c. Indicated in spontaneous haemorrhages of bright red blood, which could be the result of exposure to
severe cold or shock of some kind.
2. FICUS RELIGIOSA 6c. This remedy covers haemorrhages of whatever source and may be associated with bleeding from
other parts as well as the nose.
3. PHOSPHORUS 30c. Associated with small capillary bleeding from the nasal mucous membrane rather than with larger
flow of blood.
4. CROTALUS HORR. 30c. The snake venoms as a group are associated with haemolysis and bleeding takes place from
many sources. The blood shows a tendency to remain fluid.
5. VIPERA 30c. This has an action somewhat similar to the previous remedy, but has a greater reputation in controlling
nasal bleeding. The animal may show a tendency to vertigo when this remedy is indicated.
6. MELILOTUS 30c. The blood is bright-red and may accompany a feverish state. Frequently the blood will coagulate in the
nostrils and can be removed as firm plugs.
7. IPECACUANHA 30c. This remedy also produces bright-red nasal bleeding in its provings. The animal which will benefit
from its use may have accompanying gastric symptoms such as persistent vomiting.
8. FERRUM PHOS. 6c. When this remedy is indicated, the subject is usually a puppy and again the blood is bright-red with
possibly an attendant feverish condition. Throat symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing may be present.
3. SINUSITIS
The maxillary sinus, or antrum as it is sometimes called, occasionally becomes the seat of infection or inflammation re-
sulting in a collection of purulent material within the sinus.
ETIOLOGY. Infection may spread to the sinus from other areas of the upper respiratory tract, but the commonest source is
an infected tooth.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The infective process eventually leads to a softening of the bone covering the maxillary sinus and ulcer-
ation of the skin ensues. A small hole thus develops which yields purulent material. Infection of a frontal sinus usually re-
sults in a purulent nasal discharge which becomes streaked with blood. There is usually an accompanying conjunctivitis.
TREATMENT. The radical care for sinusitis due to infected teeth is extraction of the offending tooth. Once this has been
done the following remedies will help to treat the sinus lining and remove residual infection:
1. HEPAR SULPH. 30c. This remedy is indicated where there is pain and sensitivity over the affected area. Low potencies
will promote expulsion of any residual pus, while high potencies will provide healing by granulation.
2. SILICEA 30c. Indicated in long-standing cases where the symptoms are less sensitive. It will help the healing process by
drying any discharge and removing scar tissue.
3. ACID. FLUOR. 30c. This remedy will have a beneficial action on the sinus lining and will strengthen the maxillary bone
where it has become weakened.
4. HECLA LAVA 12c. A specific action is exerted on the bones of the upper jaw by this remedy and its use will greatly assist
the healing of diseased tissue. There may be an accompanying swelling of associated neck glands on the affected site.
5. HIPPOZAENINUM 30c. This nosode has proved of value in the treatment of infections of the frontal sinus showing puru-
lent nasal discharge.
4. TONSILLITIS
Inflammation of tonsillar tissue can be either acute or chronic and is of fairly common occurrence.
a) Acute Form. This is associated with infection, mainly streptococcal, although other bacteria and also viruses can play a
part.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The affected tissue becomes swollen and reddened due to increased blood supply and may show small
greyish spots of necrosis and frothy exudate. Sometimes these foci coalesce to produce a membrane which covers the tonsils. The appetite may be variable but any attempts at swallowing are attended with discomfort. There may be an increase
in the amount of saliva which can be clear or mucoid. Retching is a frequent accompaniment with vomiting of any excess
mucus. A rise of temperature is usual in the early stages, particularly in puppies
TREATMENT
1. ACONITUM 6c. This remedy should be given as early as possible when it will probably prevent the trouble developing
further.
2. MERC. CYANATUS 30c. The mercury salts generally have a beneficial effect on mouth and throat conditions and this one
in particular has a specific action on the throat. It is indicated where greyish membranes are evident and the mouth as a
whole has a dirty look.
3. MERC. SOL 6c. When there is an abundance of ropy saliva present together with ulcerations of gums and tonsil area,
this remedy may be used effectively.
4. PHYTOLACCA 30c. Indicated where the tonsils are enlarged and the throat has a dark-red colour. Membranous deposits
may be present, along with yellowish mucus
5. BELLADONNA 30c. A useful remedy along with ACONITUM in the early stages. The patient may show excitability with
dilated pupils and a full throbbing pulse.
6. RHUS TOX. 6c. The throat shows large amounts of mucus and assumes an unnaturally red colour. Externally the throat
may be swollen. There may be accompanying eye symptoms, such as lachrymation, and generalised stiffness
7. APIS MEL. 6c. Excessive oedema of tonsillar tissue indicates the use for this remedy. Warm drinks may aggravate the
condition and a generalised swelling of the tonsillar area is present.
8. KALI IOD 30e. The associated submaxillary glands and the thyroid gland may be affected when this remedy is indicated.
Tonsils become red and swollen and there is an accompanying lachrymation.
9. PHOSPHORUS 30c. Excessive dryness of the tonsillar tissue may indicate this remedy. There are usually constitutional
symptoms present such as vomiting and nervousness. The gums show small haemorrhages.
10. MERC. JOD. RUB. 30c. This remedy has a specific action on the left tonsillar area and is indicated when the other mer-
cury symptoms, such as ulceration and salivation, etc. are present.
11. MERC. IOD. FLAV. 30c. The mercurous salt of iodine and mercury exerts action on the right-hand tonsillar area.
12. STREPTOCOCCUS 30c. An intercurrent dose of this nosode will help if the condition is thought to be of streptococcal
origin. It can be used along with any other selected remedy.
b) Chronic Form. This can be a sequel to Distemper or some other infective process from which the animal has recovered.
The tonsils are enlarged and become the seat of acute exacerbations which disappear under treatment but may tend to
recur. Recurrence of this nature is less likely under homoeopathic medication and the following remedies will help to con-
trol this:
1. SILICEA 30c. This remedy will promote absorption of any fibrous or scar tissue which may be present and will also con-
trol any tendency to suppuration.
2 and 3. MERC. JOD, RUB and FLAV. 30c. The red and yellow salts of mercury and iodine will have a similar action as indi-
cated under the acute form
4. BARYTA CARB, 6c. Both very young and old subjects will benefit from this remedy. There is a marked tendency to suppu-
ration of the tonsillar tissue
$. CALC, JOD, 30e. This remedy has proved extremely useful in chronic tonsillitis where the tonsils remain enlarged and
became pitted with superficial ulcers. The patient is likely to be lean with a dry, staring coat.
6. HEPAR SULPH 30c. Tonsils which periodically show purulent infection may be helped by this remedy. The throat be-
comes extremely painful and sensitive to pressure during these acute exacerbations.
7. KALI BICH. 6. Swollen tonsils becoming ulcerated and yielding a yellow stringy pus are indications for this remedy. The
tissue assumes a reddish-coppery tinge.
8. STREPTOCOCCUS NOSODE 30e. This nosode can profitably be combined with any of the foregoing remedies.
5. LARYNGITIS
Inflammation of the larynx may be acute or chronic.
a) Acute Form. This is usually associated with infection which may be primary or the result of having spread from neigh-
bouring tissue. It is rarely systemic. Some authorities have attributed the condition to excessive or prolonged barking.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The quality of the bark becomes altered, a hoarse growl being emitted instead of the normal sound. This
sound may be produced by palpation of the larynx. Excessive mucus of a frothy nature is present.
TREATMENT. The animal should be kept in a quiet place and one or other of the following remedies administered:
1. ACONITUM 6c. If given early in the disease, the symptoms will be abated and the process halted.
2. BELLADONNA 30c. Indicated for the animal which shows excitability, full bounding pulse and throbbing arteries. Can be
profitably combined with the previous remedy.
3. APIS MEL. 30c. If the inflammation process is attended with much oedema and throat-swelling, this remedy should
help. There is aversion to warmth in any form.
4. MERC. 1OD. 30c. The red and yellow forms of this mercury salt may be indicated according to the location of the
inflammatory lesions, e.g. if the right-hand laryngeal area is involved the yellow (FLAVUS) salt is indicated while the red
(RUBRUM) favours the left.
5. SPONGIA TOSTA 6c. Indicated in the laryngeal conditions attended by a hoarse croupous cough. There is an absence of
mucus. The respiration may be attended by a whistling sound.
6. DROSERA 9c. Spasmodic cough associated with the upper trachea and larynx indicates this remedy. Hoarseness is very
pronounced, as also is tenacious mucus. The cough usually produces retching and vomiting in the dog, and greatly im-
pedes proper breathing
7. CAUSTICUM 30c. Indicated in those cases where the bark becomes lost due to a temporary paralysis of the laryngeal
nerves. Coughing and hoarseness are both pronounced, attended by mucus. The cough may excite urination. Due to the
attendant paralysis, the mucus gathers in the throat and the animal is unable to expel it.
8. LACHESIS 30c. Marked swelling of the throat region, worse on the left side, may indicate the need for this remedy. This
swelling may impede breathing. There is a constant irritant cough usually without expectoration which is worse during
the day and appears to be more constant after sleep.
9. RHUS TOX. 6c. Indicated when the larynx is deep red and the cough is attended by greenish mucus with a putrid smell.
Occasionally blood is present in the expectoration or cough. A generalised stiffness of muscles and joints may be present
which disappears on exercise.
b) Chronic Form. This develops as a sequel to maltreated acute cases and is characterised by hypertrophy of laryngeal
tissue, often with a membranous deposit covering the larynx. It is associated with the production of oedema and swelling
of the throat. Narrowing of the laryngeal opening may develop in severe cases.
TREATMENT. This follows much the same lines as for the acute form, but in addition the following remedies will help:
1. SILICEA 30c. This remedy helps promote healing of fibrous tissue and will hasten absorption of scar tissue. In addition it
will guard against infection arising
2. CALC FLUOR 30c. This is a good general tissue remedy and will help allay development of fibrous tissue.
3. PHYTOLACCA 30c. Useful in those cases where a membranous deposit covers the affected area. Marked redness of the
larynx is the rule.
4. BARYTA MUR 6c. A varicose condition of the throat veins is usually present when this remedy is indicated. There is a
tendency to suppuration.
6. KENNEL COUGH. TRACHEOBRONCHITIS
This is an inflammatory condition of the lower respiratory tract which usually results in a widespread infection and can
spread with great rapidity when large numbers of dogs congregate. Carrier animals can occur and hence the condition
soon becomes enzootic.
ETIOLOGY. There is usually a multiplicity of infective agents associated with this condition but probably viruses of the
adeno group are the most likely causative agents.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Coughing is a constant sign, the type of cough being described as hacking. It is usually short in duration
and dry in quality but occasionally a succession of short coughs develops which produces a paroxysmal effect. Symptoms
are confined to the upper respiratory area and systemic involvement is extremely uncommon.
TREATMENT. There is a superficial resemblance to whooping cough in man and as in that disease the remedy 1. DROSERA
9c. will be found to have good effect. Also to be considered are the following
2. PHOSPHORUS 30c. Indicated in dry cough with flecks of blood appearing in the nasal passages. The animal may show
excitability. Rapid breathing with threatened pneumonia may occur
3. BRYONIA 30c. The pleurae become involved when this remedy is indicated. Breathing becomes of the abdominal type
because of pain in the intercostal muscles. Pressure over the chest relieves symptoms and the animal prefers rest.
4. SPONGIA TOSTA 6c. The cough is of the harsh dry variety, sometimes hoarse, and a whistling sound may be present. It
may be associated with accompanying weak heart action.
5. RUMEX 6c. The cough is attended by much mucus and is relieved in the evening or during the night. The character of
the cough changes frequently.
6. ACONITUM 6c. Should be given as early as possible in the infection when it will help allay development. It will also ease
the condition by calming the animal and is especially useful in the evening for this purpose.
7. SQUILLA MARITIMA 6c. The animal usually takes deep breaths which brings on coughing when Scilla is needed as a
remedy. Any exertion produces breathlessness. There are usually accompanying symptoms of lachrymation and sneezing
with copious nasal secretion. The cough may produce reddish mucus, and is much worse in the morning.
8. IPECACUANHA 30c. Coughing produces reflex vomiting which can be frequent. The cough is worse at night. The change
to a cold atmosphere can excite the cough. Blood may show in both the vomit and the expectoration from the cough. The
respiration has been described as 'sighing.
9. COCCUS CACTI 6c. Symptoms are worse at night and produce difficult respiration. Coughing can be continuous for
many minutes, but sometimes alternating with long spells of relief.
10. BROMIUM 6c. There is much rattling of mucus in the upper trachea and larynx with this remedy. Inspiration is difficult
and coughing may lead to fainting attacks because of lack of breath. The cough is wheezing and rough.
11. CARBO VEG. 30c. There is pronounced air hunger with this remedy and the animal seeks the cool open air. Cough in
the morning produces expectoration of greenish-yellow pus. The breath is cold. Cough becomes worse in the evening. This
is an extremely valuable remedy for those animals which show acute respiratory distress at night and usually gives imme-
diate relief.
FOOTNOTE. An oral vaccine is available for the protection of dogs against Kennel Cough and can also be used for treat-
ment in conjunction with other remedies.
7. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
This may follow an acute attack of Kennel Cough or be a sequel to some other infectious disease of a systemic nature,
probably viral. It is also seen in older animals accompanying heart weakness.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The cough in this condition differs from that in acute tracheo-bronchitis in being mucoid instead of dry
It is rarely of a purulent nature and can be easily excited by extraneous factors, e.g. by frequent movement, exercise and
palpation of chest and throat. Thus the symptoms tend to be ameliorated at rest.
TREATMENT
1. BRYONIA 30c. Indicated when the animal appears to be better by resting Deep pressure over the pleural region gives
relief
2. KALI BICH. 6c. This is a useful remedy where excess secretion is present, the animal having difficulty in raising mucus.
There may be an accompanying nasal discharge. In long-standing cases the secretion becomes yellow.
3. ANTIMONIUM TART. 30c. Indicated when coughing is frequent and the discharge is frothy and mucoid.
4. APIS MEL. 6c. When excess fluid is suspected, leading to pulmonary congestion, this remedy should help.
5. SPONGIA TOSTA A useful remedy in the older animal when there are accompanying symptoms of heart involvement.
6. RUMEX 6c. This also is a good remedy in heart conditions which accompany bronchitis.
7. SQUILLA MARITIMA 6c. When this remedy is indicated there are usually symptoms of gastric involvement, e.g. vomiting
and reflex coughing.
8. KREOSOTUM 30c. This is also a useful remedy in long-standing cases where secondary infection arises shown by puru-
lent exudate being coughed up.
9. COCCUS CACTI 6c. A good remedy in the earlier stages where the cough is of a spasmodic nature and is worse at night.
8. BRONCHIECTASIS
This is the term used to describe the bronchial tree when it becomes abnormally dilated due to a loss of tone or elasticity
in its fibres. This allows fluids to develop in pockets which eventually become receptacles for purulent material.
ETIOLOGY. It is frequently a sequel to some other pulmonary disease but it can also arise as a result of foreign bodies
being aspirated into the lung. The primary disease is bacterial or viral in origin.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Continual coughing is the usual premonitory sign and while this is dry and unproductive in the early
stages it soon becomes moist and the patient coughs up large quantities of muco-purulent material and loss of condition
attends these symptoms.
TREATMENT
1. ANTIMONIUM TART 30c. A useful remedy in the early stages when the cough is attended by frothy exudate.
2. HEPAR SULPH. 30c. This is a good remedy in the early purulent stages and will limit the risk of secondary bacterial
involvement.
3. HIPPOZAENINUM 30c. This nosode is useful in controlling the spread of infection to other parts of the respiratory tract.
4. KALI BICH. 30c. Indicated when the cough is accompanied by tough mucus of a yellow stringy nature.
5. KREOSOTUM 30c. A useful remedy in long-standing cases when gangrenous changes are threatened. The expectoration
is extremely putrid and may be tinged with blood.
6. STAPHYLOCOCCUS 30c. Indicated if it is thought the Staphylococcal organisms may be present as a result of some previ-
ous infection of this nature.
7. STREPTOCOCCUS 30c. Likewise if Streptococcal involvement is suspected.
8. TUB. AVIARE 30c. This nosode is very useful in bronchial conditions which are slow to heal and can usefully be em-
ployed along with other selected remedies.
9. MALANDRINUM 30c. This is another useful nosode which can be combined with other remedies. Mucus tends to be
honey-coloured and sticky
10. MERC SOL 6c. This remedy could be indicated when any material coughed up is of a greenish rather than of a yellow
colour.
Diseases of the Lungs and Pleura
1. PULMONARY OEDEMA
THE ABNORMAL ACCUMULATION of fluid in the lung is usually a sequel to chronic heart disease, especially mitral valve insuffi-
ciency when the weakness of the circulation causes a transudation of blood plasma from the pulmonary veins into the
lung tissue. It may also arise as a sequel to Distemper.
CLINICAL SIGNS. There is great difficulty in breathing and a wet cough is fairly constant. If it accompanies some other
primary disease, signs of the latter are usually present also.
TREATMENT
1. APIS MEL. 30c. This remedy is always indicated when oedema is present in whatever situation
2. CACTUS GRANDIFLORUS 6c. This is a good heart remedy which will stimulate the heart's action and thereby increase
circulation. This will then reduce the likelihood of pulmonary stasis developing in a serious form.
3. ADONIS VERNALIS. 6c. This is also a good heart remedy which should have a beneficial effect in valvular disease.
4. CRATAEGUS 0 or 1x or 6c. A heart remedy which exerts its acti on the muscle thereby increasing the force of the beat
and leading to greater output of blood. In this way circulation as a whole is stimulated.
5. CARBO VEG. 30c. This is a useful remedy which gives relief by helping the patient's oxygen supply and thereby aiding
breathing in general.
6. ABROTANUM 6c. This remedy has a reputation for aiding conditions which give rise to exudations in general. It is there-
fore likely to help lung congestions if other selected symptoms are present.
7. VERATRUM VIR 30c. This is another useful remedy in valvular heart conditions and will thereby help circulatory
weakness.
2. EMPHYSEMA
When the alveoli of the lungs lose their elasticity, becoming distended and unable to return to their normal size, a state of
emphysema is said to exist. In severe cases the alveolar wall may rupture permitting the escape of air into the surround-
ing tissues.
ETIOLOGY. It is invariably a sequel to some chronic respiratory disorder such as bronchitis or bronchiectasis. Severe at-
tacks of pneumonia will also predispose towards it.
CLINICAL SIGNS. There is obvious difficulty in expelling air and respiration may be associated with forced movements of
the abdominal muscles in order to assist the process. There is general difficulty in breathing. Tension in the pulmonary
vessels arises as a result of increased pressure on the right ventricle of the heart.
TREATMENT
1. ACONITUM 6c. Always indicated when there is tension in any part of the circulatory system and should give relief indi-
rectly as a result.
of functional emphysema where the changes in
2. LOBELIA INFLATA 30c. This remedy has proved useful in the treatmen
the alveolar walls have not proceeded too far or have become chronic.
3. ANTIMONIUM ARSEN. 30c. This is a useful remedy when examination reveals that the left lung is affected more than
the right.
4. CARBO VEG. 30c. Will provide oxygen by its ability to help in cases of "air hunger'. It will give relief particularly at night.
The above remedies and treatments refer to cases of functional emphysema where damage to the alveoli is partial.
Structural emphysema where the tone or elasticity of the alveolar wall is completely lost is unlikely to prove responsive to
treatment.
3. PNEUMONIA
Inflammation of the lung substance can take various forms, chief among which are Broncho-pneumonia and Hypostatic
pneumonia.
BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. This is the infective type of pneumonia which is associated with viral or bacterial disease and,
apart from the virus of stemper, various species Streptococci and r bacteria are implicated.
CLINICAL SIGNS. There is an initial rise of temperature followed by a nasal discharge of muco-purulent material which
may be streaked with blood. Respirations are increased and in severe cases dyspnoea is evident. Coughing is a fairly con-
stant sign and, if bacterial or viral invasion is thought to have taken place, other systemic signs may appear, e.g. vomiting
and constipation. The animal becomes dehydrated and unkempt and water intake is decreased.
TREATMENT. The following remedies are all useful according to type and symptoms displayed:
1. ACONITUM 6c. Should always be given as early in the condition as possible.
2. ANTIMONIUM TART. 30c. A very useful remedy when there is an abundance of loose mucus and expectoration.
3. BRYONIA 6c. When this remedy is indicated the animal resents movement. Pressure over the affected area brings rebef.
The animal prefers to lie on the affected side.
4. ARSEN. 1OD. 6c. A good remedy for the less severe case or one which is of a recurrent nature. Symptoms may be worse at
night and the skin is dry with a harsh coat.
5. FERRUM PHOS. 6c. The animal may show signs of pain and anxiety when breathing in. There is an abundance of loose
mucus in the throat. Coughing may produce blood, and is associated with distress.
6. LYCOPODIUM 30c. A useful remedy for lean animals with indifferent appetite. There may be aggravation of symptoms in
late afternoon to early evening.
7. PHOSPHORUS 30c. Expectoration of rust-coloured sputum may accompany vomiting. Alternatively the cough may be
dry and unproductive. A suitable remedy for nervous and sensitive animals.
8. TUBERCULINUM AVIARE 30e. This nosode has proved useful in convalescence when it will aid the healing process after
administration of selected remedies.
4. HYPOSTATIC PNEUMONIA
This condition occurs in old dogs and also in those which are chronically run down and in poor health. If the animal is
recumbent for any length of time the lack of exercise and general weakness permits plasma transudate to gravitate to-
wards the lungs producing a pneumonia of this type
CLINICAL SIGNS. There is great difficulty in breathing and coughing is again present. The signs of pneumonia will be more
evident on the side on which the animal is lying. The cough is usually dry.
TREATMENT. The animal should be turned over frequently and encouraged to take mild exercise if possible. Remedies
which are helpful include the following
1. APIS MEL. 30c. This remedy will help in removing excess fluid and reducing the tendency to oedema in general.
2. ADONIS VER. 1x and CONVALLARIA 1x are useful heart remedies which should stimulate the heart's action and increase
the circulation. This will apply to other heart remedies also as discussed under Congestive Heart Disease
5. PLEURA. Pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleural membranes may be either dry or accompanied by effusion into the pleural sac.
ETIOLOGY. Usually the cause is due to extension of infection from some part of the respiratory tract, although a primary
cause may also occur less frequently e.g. by trauma.
CLINICAL SIGNS. The animal appears anxious and signs of abdominal breathing are present, signifying pain on inspira-
tion. If one side only is affected the animal seeks to lie on that side, whereas if the animal assumes a sitting position it
usually indicates affection of both sides. The temperature may rise to 105°F. and accompanies early signs of pain. If effu-
sion occurs signs of pain may be less. Auscultation in the dry form reveals a harsh friction sound, but such sounds become
less evident when effusion is present.
TREATMENT. The following remedies may be needed depending on overall symptoms:
1. ACONITUM 30c. Should always be given as early in the condition as possible. It will quickly allay anxiety and helps re-
lieve pain.
2. BELLADONNA 30c. A useful remedy if the animal feels unduly hot with dilated pupils and throbbing pulses.
3. BRYONIA 6c or 30c. This is probably the best remedy to consider in the majority of cases once the condition is estab-
lished. A main guiding principle for its use is relief of pain on pressure, seen by the animal lying on the affected side and
disinclined to move.
4. APIS MEL. 30c. This remedy should help to reduce the fluid which is present in those cases showing effusion.
5. ARSEN. ALB. 30c. Older animals may benefit from this remedy especially if symptoms are worse towards midnight and
the patient seeks small sips of water.