CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH— NASAL GLEET 499 



CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH— NASAL GLEET 



Definition. — A lasting discharge from the nasal chambers, of varying 

 quantity and character. When accompanied by an otfensive odour it is 

 known as ozoena. 



Causes. — Chronic discharges from the nostrils are usually the sequel 

 of catarrh, in some cases resulting from cold, in others from influenza or 

 strangles, from which the patient has been brought low in condition and 

 made but a tardy recovery. 



The membranes high up in the facial cavities have entered upon a 

 chronic low form of inflammatory action, by which an unhealthy secretion 

 is formed, which, when retained, appears to aggravate the condition. If the 

 disease is confined to the nasal chambers only, the prospect of restoration 

 to a healthy state is much greater than when the sinuses of the face which 

 communicate with them are the seat of unhealthy action. When this is the 

 case, the matter may accumulate and become so thick as to make removal 

 only possible by a surgical operation. In coal-mines the habitual inhala- 

 tion of dust and unwholesome air is said to cause nasal gleet, as does also 

 the foul conditions found on shipboard. Quite a large proportion of sea- 

 born horses suff"er from catarrh, and a greater proportion of cases of chronic 

 nasal discharge are found among these horses than result from catarrh con- 

 tracted in the usual way. In addition to the causes stated, nasal gleet not 

 unfrequently arises out of a diseased condition of the fangs of the teeth and 

 of the bones of the facial region. 



Symptoms. — When of recent date the discharge is thick and opaque, 

 as in the later stages of catarrh or common cold, but as it becomes a settled 

 condition it is subject to great variations, not only in respect of its con- 

 sistence and character, but also as to the amount discharged. In the 

 former connection it undergoes some remarkable changes, being at one 

 time a thin, transparent, glutinous fluid, and at another thick, white, or 

 even curdy-looking matter. Where structural changes have taken place in 

 the diseased membrane, the discharge may be streaked with blood, and in 

 some instances largely mingled with it. The outflow is much greater at 

 some times than at others, and especially when the head is depressed or 

 lowered to the ground. Where the matter is long pent up in the cavities 

 of the face it acquires an offensive odour, which may continue or pass away, 

 to return from time to time at varying intervals. More or less constitu- 

 tional disturbance is remarked in cases of some standing, and where a 

 disagreeable odour is attached to the discharge. The coat becomes un- 

 thrifty and staring, there is general loss of condition, and the animal is 

 easily fatigued. The submaxillary glands may become enlarged and hard- 



