466 DISEASES OF THE LARYNX. 



1. Acute Catarrhal Laryngitis. Nature and Causation. — 

 This, the simpler form of laryngeal inflammation, is essentially 

 catarrhal, being connected with the mucous membrane of the 

 larynx, and occasionally extending to the trachea. The in- 

 creased vascularity of the parts is shortly succeeded by slightly 

 increased secretion from the membrane, which appears some- 

 what thickened, not so much from submucous infiltration, 

 as from an accumulation of mucus and certain cell-growths 

 upon its surface. This unnatural action is rarely observed 

 as ' a condition purely local, usually as an early and often 

 the most prominent symptom of common catarrh. It is also 

 encountered as a symptom of some other diseases, particularly 

 of the great mucous tract of the air-passages, and of different 

 parts of the respiratory organs. 



For its origin it seems, like common catarrh, to be depen- 

 dent on conditions some of which are directly connected with 

 the animal itself, as a general weak, atonic state of the tissues, 

 indifferent food, and the fact of having suffered from previous 

 attacks of a similar character ; others are brought to bear 

 upon it from without, including indifferent location, overwork, 

 exposure to cold and damp, particularly when exhausted and 

 perspiring. In exceptional instances we have it occurring 

 from extension of inflammatory action from contiguous, chiefly 

 anterior, structures. 



Symptoms. — The local symptoms are pain, referable to the 

 region of the throat, particularly shown when food or water is 

 being swallowed, or when the throat is manipulated externally. 

 The animal is inclined, both when at rest and when moving, 

 to keep his nose rather elevated, so as to straighten the angle 

 naturally existing at the throat and larynx, thereby relieving 

 the irritable structures from pressure. The mouth contains 

 an extra quantity of ropy, rather tenacious saliva ; this is in 

 greatest amount when the pharyngeal structures are much 

 involved. Cough is easily provoked on attempts to swallow, 

 and fluids are ejected by the nasal passages. At the outset of 

 the affection the cough is hard and rather sonorous, particu- 

 larly so if of some time standing ; when, however, the morbid 

 action has advanced, and secretion is considerable, it is less 

 resonant, rather suppressed, and emitted with evidence of 

 pain. 



