CKOUP. 601 



a fluid poured from the mucous follicles, until finally separated 

 and cast out ; and if the case progresses favourably the false 

 membrane is not again formed, the suppurative process termi- 

 nating the inflammatory action. 



If the stethoscope be applied to the larynx and trachea, a 

 peculiar trembling may be detected in places where false mem- 

 brane exists. 



Treatment. — When the symptoms are very alarming, the 

 breathing difficult, and the noise loud, tracheotomy should be 

 immediately performed ; indeed it is essential that air be ad- 

 mitted early in every severe case, for should the operation be 

 delayed, the blood becomes so overloaded with carbonic acid 

 and effete materials, that the animal succumbs to a condition of 

 blood poisoning. 



The head is to be steamed for several hours consecutively, 

 and the hot water used for that purpose may contain carbolic 

 acid or iodine. Nitrate of silver in solution may be directly 

 applied to the diseased mucous membrane, as directed in a 

 former page. The solution commonly in use contains half a 

 drachm to the ounce of distilled water. 



The medicinal treatment will greatly depend upon the con- 

 dition of the animal, but little good need be exj^ected from any 

 very heroic remedies. In the early stages the nitrate or chlorate 

 of potash are to be given in small doses, or the hyposulphite of 

 soda in the animal's drinking water. If there be much prostra- 

 tion, spirits of nitrous ether, with camphor, may be prescribed, 

 and in all cases a gentle oleaginous purge may be ordered if the 

 bowels are costive. It must not be forgotten that the patient 

 must be kept in a warm, dry shed, and have the body clothed if 

 the weather be cold. 



DIPHTHERIA. 



Diphtheria may be described as a specific blood disease, asso- 

 ciated with sore throat of great severity, attended with extreme 

 prostration, and characterised by exudation of false membrane 

 upon and pulpification of the mucous membrane of the throat 

 and sometimes that of the nose. 



In the Veterinary Journal for August 1875, Mr. W. Eobertson, 

 Kelso, reports some facts in connection with the occurrence of 

 diphtheria in dogs and horses- and places on record the causes. 



