SIMPLE ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 337 



reason cases occur of simple acute bronchitis, verminous bronchitis, 

 simple chronic bronchitis, pseudo-membranous bronchitis, tuberculous 

 bronchitis, etc. 



SIMPLE ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 



Simple acute bronchitis coexists with, or is often only the logical 

 and inevitable complication of, coryza and acute laryngitis. It is com- 

 monly associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 

 trachea. 



It accompanies cold and wet seasons, and usually appears with the 

 autumn frosts, in animals still at grass. In animals under shelter it 

 occurs after undue exertion followed by chills, and after sudden rain 

 storms. It also attacks working oxen, which are much exposed to the 

 weather. 



The symptoms follow very rapidly on the determining cause. They 

 are ushered in by rigors, trembling attacks, diminution or loss of appe- 

 tite, arrest of rumination, acceleration of breathing, and the appearance 

 of a rough and spasmodic cough. 



In ordinary cases these symptoms rapidly diminish, even without 

 treatment. The appetite again becomes moderate, rumination returns, 

 but the cough remains more or less rough and spasmodic, ending in the 

 discharge, or more often in the swallowing, of abundant bronchial 

 mucus. 



This is the condition at the period of crisis. Percussion of the 

 thorax reveals normal resonance. On auscultation of the sides during 

 the period of onset, rough rales are heard, which at the period of crisis 

 are replaced by mucous rales. The cough diminishes in frequency, and 

 after a fortnight everything again becomes normal. 



The diagnosis is very easy, the important point being not to con- 

 fuse common bronchitis with tuberculous bronchitis, which very often 

 assumes a chronic form. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is not grave, even though the disease may 

 assume a chronic condition. 



Treatment does not differ from that of acute bronchitis in the horse. 

 It consists in antiseptic and steam fumigations, tepid drinks, the 

 administration of doses of 2 to 3 drachms Kerme's mineral in 

 adult animals, and of 1 to IJ drachms of iodide of potassium, given 

 in a mash or in honey electuary. During convalescence tar water 

 should be administered. 



CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. 



Chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large 

 bronchi and trachea may follow acute bronchitis, but it is also a frequent 



D.C. Z 



