46 TERMINATIONS OF INFLAMMATION. 



by being lodged in a roomy, airy place ; must have an allow- 

 ance of corn — crushed oats in preference; and be regularly 

 fed and carefully watched, as the most severe forms of the 

 disease, namely, those associated with internal abscesses, are 

 ushered in by the above premonitory signs. If the tumours 

 suppurate kindly, and the disease runs its course regularly, the 

 animal will soon regain its former condition, will, in fact, thrive 

 better than ever, and will seem as if the system had been rid of 

 some deleterious material. 



In the third form, great watchfulness must be used for fear 

 that the patient dies of suffocation. To prevent this the opera- 

 tion of tracheotomy may have to be performed. 



As to the necessity of this operation, and the time for its 

 performance, there is a difference of opinion. Some think it 

 ought to be performed early, to enable the glottis to remain in 

 a state of repose, and thus recover more speedily than if kept 

 in activity by the respiratory movements; while others con- 

 demn the operation except as a dernier resort. Of the two 

 opinions the former is the more humane and rational, but the 

 latter is supported by a more extensive experience. Without 

 discussing the point, I may state that my own practice con- 

 sists in hot fomentations to the throat, succeeded by a mustard 

 liniment, making the animal inhale watery vapour for some 

 hours and watching the case carefully. If the dyspnoea in- 

 crease, I perform tracheotomy ; but if it decrease even slightly, 

 I go on with the steaming and fomentations. There is a diffi- 

 culty in applying poultices to the throat, and I find a good 

 substitute in woollen waste confined to the parts within the 

 hood. A poultice soon gets cold, and is apt to do more harm 

 tlian good if not carefully applied and continually watched. Hot 

 fomentations and packing with wool are therefore preferable. 



In performing tracheotomy, the best plan is to elevate the 

 horse's head, extend the nose, so as to draw the inferior cervical 

 muscles into a state of tension, then to feel along the course of 

 the trachea for the part least covered with muscular and adi- 

 pose tissue, and to make a bold incision through the skin 

 and subcutaneous structures on to the trachea. The incision 

 must be about four inches long, exposing the trachea clearly to 

 view. When this is done, introduce the point of a sharp-pointed 

 bistoury into the trachea, between the upper exposed rings, 



