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LARYNGITIS — SORE THROAT. 



Derivation.. — Laryngitis, literally meaning inflammation 

 of the larynx f from which, with the addition of itis^ the com- 

 pound is formed, is the technical word ordinarily in use for 

 sore throat : the word angina, though there be states of 

 laryngitis in which the animal is really in danger of strangu- 

 lation, being applicable to strangles. The objection to calling 

 the disorder laryngitis, is that such a name would signify the 

 larynx only to be its seat: whereas it is evident enough that 

 the pharynx, and surrounding parts as well, must often, if 

 not commonly, be similarly affected. 



Sore throat is a common attendant on catarrh; indeed, in 

 some forms and stages of the disease it may often be said to 

 constitute the main or leading symptom. And so long as the 

 throat continues very sore we may be pretty certain that the 

 disease is confined to that part ; whereas, should it decline, 

 and the horse still continue ill, we have every reason to 

 believe that the disease has either extended or become trans- 

 planted to the bronchial membrane in the lungs. 



Kinds. — In this form the disease may be said to be either 

 acute or sub-acute; but there is a form it now and then 

 assumes which we may recognise as chronic, one apt to be of 

 long and troublesome duration. 



The symptoms of sore throat are manifest to very ordinary 

 observers. The groom knows that his horse has it from his 

 manner of acting with his head with his stiff mode of carry- 

 ing it. He protrudes his head awkwardly, and if pinched, 

 or but slightly compressed even with the thumb and finger 

 about his throat, instantly coughs, and afterwards throws up 

 his head, so as to avoid if possible a repetition of the pinch. 

 If the soreness be more than slight, or be severe, the animal 

 will manifest difficulty in deglutition, and even cud his food 

 and reject it rather than attempt to swallow it, which act he 

 knows will cause him soreness and pain. On this account 

 he will prefer soft or bruised food : indeed, liard and prickly 

 provender, such as hay, he will frequently refuse altogether. 



