58 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



SPASM OF THE LARYNX. 



The larynx is an irregular cartilaginous tube forming the upper 

 extremity of the windpipe, and is the organ which produces that 

 peculiar sound called neighing ; it affords free passage, in its 

 normal state, for respiration, and also attachment for numerous 

 muscles. Its internal cavity is protected by the common mem- 

 brane termed mucous, which, at times, becomes the seat of a dis- 

 ease known as laryngitis. 



Our own opinion is, that the spasm may arise from other causes 

 than those acting directly on the laryngeal apparatus. From the 

 symptoms detailed by Surgeon Haycock, which we shall here 

 introduce, it seems to bear some analogy to laryngismus stridulus, 

 ("croup" of the human family,) and that which is here termed 

 spasm may result from a nervous affection induced by indigestion ; 

 in that case spasm of the larynx is a symptom of another disease. 

 What some might term spasm of the larynx may result from some 

 morbid productions within the larynx, an cedematous swelling 

 occurring in the submucous membrane of the larynx, as in cases 

 of violent laryngitis, may give rise to many symptoms noticed by 

 the individual just named ; yet a morbid production of this char- 

 acter could not with propriety be called spasm. 



The history of laryngismus stridulus — croup — is as follows: 

 the attack comes on during sleep ; the child starts suddenly ; 

 struggles for breath ; face flushed, and swollen, and purple ; and 

 after repeated efforts, we have long inspiration, accompanied with 

 a whooping or crowing noise, arising from obstruction, not spasm. 

 It makes very little difference, however, whether the difficulty of 

 respiration occur from spasm or obstruction, since the treatment 

 of either does not materially differ, that is, as regards present 

 relief. The three principal means of cure are — nauseants, 

 counter irritations, and lastly, tracheotomy. 



Let it be understood that this treatment applies to those cases 

 which occur from internal obstruction; the treatment, of course, 

 must vary according to the nature of the case. For our prin- 

 cipal object is not so much to treat spasm of the larynx, as it should 

 be to discover its cause — that removed, spasm will cease. That 



