334 LARYNX, TRACHEA AND BRONCHI. 



to human croup, is characterised l)y the formation of false membranes 

 on the vocal cords, arytenoid cartilages, and subglottal region, etc. 



In France it has been described under the name of stridulous 

 laryngitis, because its dominant symptom consists in attacks of intense 

 dyspnoea, during which the respiration is accompanied by whistling. 

 Without making any attempt to prejudge the nature of the disease, which 

 resembles the pseudo- diphtheritic forms of larj'ngitis in man, we prefer 

 the term pseudo-membranous laryngitis. Moreover, this pseudo-mem- 

 branous laryngitis very frequently accompanies pseudo-membranous sore 

 throat, tracheitis and bronchitis, with formation of false membranes. 



Causation. The causes suggested are similar to those of simple sore 

 throat : they include chills, the ingestion of ice-cold water, or the inhala- 

 tion of irritant gases, during outbreaks of fire, etc., etc. ; but it is quite 

 certain that here, as in many similar cases, a primarily simple laryngitis 

 is complicated by a well-marked infection. 



Symptoms. The general symptoms seen during the early stages 

 consist in loss of appetite, general depression, rigors, and a rise in 

 temperature of 1° to 2° Fahr. 



Then, after twenty-four or forty-eight hours, the respiration becomes 

 more rapid, difficult, whistling and dyspnoeic, with intermittent attacks 

 of suffocation. 



Examination of the chest gives negative results, but, on the throat 

 being manipulated, the slightest pressure exercised over the larynx pro- 

 duces attacks of coughing. During the first few days these attacks are 

 loud, spasmodic, and difficult, but on succeeding days they lead to the 

 discharge, from the nostrils or mouth, of masses of false membrane 

 accompanied by whitish and sometimes blood-stained fluid. Secondarily 

 the mucous membrane of the nasal fossre appears inflamed to a varying 

 degree. The conjunctiva is also affected, the eyes are watering. An 

 important symptom consists in the fact that this watering is accom- 

 panied by internal ophthalmia, as in gangrenous coryza. 



In consequence of the respiratory difficulty, the animal takes up a 

 characteristic attitude, holding its neck stiffly in a horizontal position 

 and its head completely extended ; the nostrils are widely dilated. 

 When the disease is fully developed rumination is suppressed, the 

 bowels are constipated and the faeces are coated as in grave cases of 

 enteritis, the yield of milk diminishes, the heart beats feebly, the pulse 

 remains small ; death may occur from asphyxia, and proljably also from 

 intoxication. 



The disease usually lasts from eight to ten days, but death may occur 

 earlier. In the majority of cases, however, the animal can be saved. 

 All the symptoms diminish, the temperature falls, rumination again 

 ajipears and with it appetite, and the whole condition becomes normal. 



