THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 61 



in excess they are apt, instead of relaxing, to produce rigid spasms 

 of what are known as the vocal cords. In administering chloro- 

 form to animals this rule holds good, for we have invariably found 

 that if etherization is carried beyond a certain point, a tetanic 

 spasm of the muscular tissues is the result — which is only reme- 

 died by removing the breathing apparatus for a short time, when 

 the muscles soon relax and become pliable. 



Lobelia is considered, also, a very good relaxant ; it is extolled 

 very highly by some physicians for the cure of asthmatical com- 

 plaints, and for relaxing rigid parts ; we have used it in this view 

 for a number of years on all classes of domestic animals, and con- 

 sider it a valuable antispasmodic. A strong infusion of lobelia 

 can be brought in contact with the horse's nostrils by means of a 

 sponge, and perhaps prove as beneficial as ether. All sorts of 

 means have been suggested for steaming the nostrils ; we prefer 

 the sponge to any other contrivance, for hot steam (that arising 

 from boiling water directly applied) will tend rather to inflame 

 than relax a part already in an irritable state. The sponge, being 

 porous, permits cool air, in the act of respiration, to pass through, 

 mingle with the hot fluid and vapor, and thus moderate its tem- 

 perature. Counter irritants, applied externally in the region of 

 the throat and chest, are generally recommended ; the common 

 hartshorn liniment, essence of mustard, or a mixture composed of 

 equal parts of olive oil, tincture of capsicum, and lobelia, are 

 among the most efficient remedies for this purpose. The lectum 

 must be kept empty by stimulating clysters ; all food to be with- 

 held until the worst symptoms are past, when some thin gruel, 

 sweetened with honey, may be allowed. 



LARYNGITIS. — {Inflammation of the lining membrane of the larynx.') 



The membrane which lines the larynx is one of great sensi- 

 bility, and prone to take on disease of an acute character, from a 

 trifling cause, and if not properly attended to is very apt to result 

 in chronic cough. The same membrane in the interior of the 

 larynx is part and parcel of that peculiar to the trachea and other 

 air passages ; yet it appears to be more sensitive there, as well as 

 in the bronchial divisions. Mr. White, in alluding to the sensi- 

 6 



