DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 115 



horizontal line. This will prevent the blood getting into the wind- 

 pipe and allow it to drop directly on the ground. If you have the 

 self -adjustable tube, it retains its place in the wound without further 

 trouble after it is inserted. The other kind requires to be secured in 

 position b}^ means of two tapes or strings tied around the neck. After 

 the hemorrhage is somewhat abated, sponge the blood away and see 

 that the tube is thoroughly clean, then insert it, directing the tube 

 downward toward the lungs. 



The immediate relief this operation affords is gratifying to behold. 

 The animal, a few minutes before on the verge of death from suffoca^ 

 tion, emitting a loud wheezing sound with every breath, with haggard 

 countenance, body swaying, pawing, gasping, fighting for breath, now 

 breathes tranquilly, and may be in search of something to eat. 



The tube should be removed once a day and cleaned with the carbolic 

 acid solution (1 to 20), and the discharge washed away from the wound 

 with a solution of carbolic acid, 1 part to 40 parts water. Several 

 times a day the hand should be held over the opening in the tube to 

 test the animaFs ability to breath through the nostrils, and as soon as 

 it is demonstrated that breathing can be performed in the natural way 

 the tube should be removed, the wound thoroughly cleansed with the 

 carbolic acid solution (1 to. 40), and closed by inserting four or five 

 stitches tlirmujK the skin and muscle. Do not include the cartilages of 

 the windpipe in the stitches. Apply the carbolic acid solution to the 

 wound three or four times a day until healed. When the tube is 

 removed to clean it the lips of the wound may be pressed together to 

 ascertain whether or not tlie horse can breathe through the larynx. 

 The use of the tube should be discontinued as soon as possible. 



It is true that tracheotomy tubes are seldom to be found on farms, 

 and especially when most urgently required. In such instances there 

 is nothing left to be done but, with a strong needle, pass a wax end or 

 other strong string through each side of the wound, including the car- 

 tilage of the windpipe, and keep the wound open ]>y tying the strings 

 over the neck. 



During the time the tube is used the other treatment advised must 

 not be neglected. After a few days the discharge from the nostrils 

 becomes thicker and more profuse. This is a good symptom and sig- 

 nifies that the acute stage has passed. At any time during the attack, 

 if the horse becomes weak, give whisky or aromatic spirits of ammo- 

 nia, 2 ounces in water. Do not be in a hurry to put the animal back 

 to work, but give plenty of time for a complete recovery. Gentle and 

 gradually increasing exercise may be given as soon as the horse is able 

 to stand it. The food should be carefully selected and of good qual- 

 it}'. Tonics, as iron or arsenic, ma}" be employed. 



If abscesses form in connection with the disease thej^ must be opened 

 to allow the escape of pus, but do not rashly plunge a knife into swol- 



