16^ FEVERS. 



tion, and, indeed, to such a degree is this effect certain 

 to follow, as precludes its adoption under any form of 

 circumstances during strangles : all we can safely do is to 

 make use of unremitting fomentations. I know nothing 

 of a local nature more effectual than fomentation^ when it 

 is unweariedly persisted in. The moment we can detect 

 any signs of the formation of pus, without waiting for com- 

 plete maturation, we are to plunge our knife to the heart 

 of the tumour : the evacuation of ever so little matter will 

 afford some relief. Cases there are of this hapless turn, in 

 which, to save the animal from suffocation, we are driven to the 

 expedient of an operation — the performance of tracheotomy. 



TRACHEOTOMY 



Consists in making an opening into the windpipe, through 

 which the animal is enabled to breathe ; it is an operation 

 affording the animal instantaneous relief, at a time when, 

 either from the tumefied condition of the membrane, or the 

 continual accumulation of matter about the mouth of the 

 windpipe, he experiences much difficulty in drawing his 

 breath. The animals head being elevated by an assistant, 

 the windpipe may be plainly felt through the skin as it pro- 

 ceeds in its course down the front of the neck. About one 

 third from the head will be found a convenient place for 

 operating. Should the aperture be made higher than this, 

 the tube, when introduced, will interfere with the apphcation 

 of a poultice. Make a longitudinal incision, three or four 

 inches in extent, through the skin, and carry the point of the 

 knife at once down to the windpipe, the exterior of which 

 should be laid bare. 



There are several reservations to be made when describing 

 tracheotomy. In the first place, the operation must be 

 performed as best you are able. Unfortunately it is on 

 most occasions called for during the night, when assistants 

 are sleeping, and light in the best stable is somewhat scarce. 

 Then it is not usual to undertake tracheotomy, save upon 

 horses in danger of falling from want of breath. The 



