BRONCHITIS. 43 



apprehended. Expectoration does not take place well in 

 our patients. Bronchitis is variously described as acute and 

 chronic — terms which explain themselves ; capillary bron- 

 chitis, when affecting the smaller tubes; mechanical bron- 

 chitis, when caused by the presence of a foreign body, 

 inhalation of smoke, etc. The above are the forms of 

 bronchitis as ordinarily met with. There is also a variety 

 of bronchitis due to a parasite ; this is known as parasitic 

 bronchitis. 



Causes, — The disease may be caused by exposure to cold 

 and wet, extremes of heat and cold, sudden variations of 

 temperature, standing in draughts of cold air, improper 

 administration of medicines — as forcing it down, or giving 

 a draught through the nose, a part passing into the trachea, 

 thence to the bronchial tubes, causing inflammation. A 

 draught should never be administered through the nose. 

 Bronchitis also sometimes supervenes upon an attack of 

 acute indigestion, wherein the animal regurgitates the food, 

 and a small portion of it, escaping into the trachea, finds its 

 way to the bronchial tubes, and sets up mechanical bron- 

 chitis. This form oftenest affects the right side on account 

 of the anatomical conformation of the parts. 



Symptoms. — The disease begins with a chill more or less 

 marked ; this is quickly followed by febrile symptoms. 

 There is a husky, somewhat dry cough, disturbed respira- 

 tion ; the standing posture is retained ; pulse soft and 

 quickened, and coldness of the extremities. On ausculta- 

 tion, rhonchus may be heard, indicating that the large 

 tubes are affected ; or sibilus may be heard, showing that 

 the small tubes are affected. Soon there is a discharge 

 from the nose, which, if yellow, may be received as a 

 favourable omen ; however, if the nasal defluxion be of a 

 reddish or rusty hue, it is to be regarded as an unfavourable 

 symptom. The bowels may be constipated, and in the 



