BRONCHITIS. 619 



indicating the involvement of a large area of tubes, and a con- 

 dition of real danger, the inhalation of steam is of the utmost 

 importance, as such inhalation modifies the viscidity of the 

 catarrhal fluid, and facilitates its discharge from the bronchi. 

 And in order to prevent as much as possible the putrefaction 

 of the catarrhal product, such steam should be medicated with 

 carbolic acid. In addition to this the sides are to be bathed with 

 hot water, and rubbed over with oil or a weak liniment to keep 

 off the sensation of cold. If the bowels are costive, enemas are 

 to be administered, but on no account are aloetic purgatives to 

 be given; for obstinate constipation — a very rare complication 

 — a moderate dose of oil may be giVen. It is far better, however, 

 to keep the alimentary canal in J^roper order by enticing the 

 animal to eat laxative food, such as linseed mashes, carrots, or 

 grass, if in season. Some practitioners recommend that sulphate 

 of magnesia be given in four-ounce doses daily in the horse's 

 water until the boWels respond. For my own part I have 

 found that horses generally refuse to drink such water, although 

 tbey may suffer much from thirst ; and I generally content 

 myself with ordering half-ounce doses of nitrate of potash twice 

 daily in the water or mash. Good nursing, warm clothing, pure 

 air, and a good stable or loose box, are essentials which are not 

 to be forgotten. 



In the course of bronchitis, it will frequently be observed that 

 symptoms simulating those of diabetes insipidus become de- 

 veloped ; the animal becomes very thirsty and urinates profusely. 

 These need not cause any alarm ; they are due to the absorption 

 and elimination of effete materials and various salts — chloride of 

 sodium particularly — which have been retained, probably in the 

 inflamed part, during the active stage of the disease. If the 

 patient be freely supplied with water, and enticed to partake 

 of good food, the diabetic symptoms pass off, and the animal will 

 speedily become convalescent. 



Should debility remain, with cough and irritation, hyoscyamus 

 and tonics are to be administered ; and if the case threatens to 

 become chronic, a blister may be applied to the throat and 

 breast, and the iodide of potassium prescribed. 



Chronic bronchitis in the horse may cause what is termed 

 thick wind, chronic cough, and eventually emphysema from 

 rupture of the rigid and altered air vesicles and small bronchi 



