DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. 121 



brane, principally at the base of the epiglottis, which is usually 

 swollen a great deal. 



The mucous membrane may be red or pale; the effusion may 

 be on one or both sides, in some cases interfering very materially 

 with the entrance of air. 



Give the causes. 



It generally follows an acute case of laryngitis or pharyngitis, 

 or it may be associated with blood diseases, as purpura hajmor- 

 rhagica, glanders, pneumonia, or pleurisy. The swallowing of irri- 

 tants, or injuries may be a cause. 



How is the diagnosis made and what are the symptoms ? 



It may show itself suddenly. The most prominent symptom is 

 dyspnoea, and the difficulty seems to be confined to inspiration at 

 first. There is not much difficulty in swallowing, nor is there 

 much pain on pressure over that region. There does not seem to 

 be much fever or other constitutional symptoms accompanying 

 laryngitis. 



The breathing becomes noisy or difficult, there is an anxious 

 --look, the eye becomes prominent, there are cold sweats, the animal 

 becomes uneasy, and fits of coughing may be present. 



There is a swelling of the neck over that region, and if the 

 hand is introduced into the fauces the oedematous condition may 

 be felt. 



What is the prognosis ? 



The prognosis should always be guarded, governed largely by 

 the cause of the oedema. Aseptic tracheotom}-, strict hygienic 

 measures, careful nursing, and judicious nourishment will save the 

 majority of cases. 



What is the treatment ? 



The object is to prevent suffocation, and there is not much 

 time to be lost; the trachea should be opened at once. 



Stimulants are usually indicated; also diuretics and ab- 

 sorbents. 



ROARIXG. 

 Give the synonyms. 



Chronic whistling, laryngeal hemiplegia, stenosis of the 

 trachea, laryngismus paralyticus. 



