128 OZENA. 



not be controlled, and will terminate in glanders. Turning into a salt marsh will 

 occasionally effect a cure, when both the mineral and the vegetable tonics have 

 I'ailea. 



OZENA. 



Ozena is ulceration of the membrane of the nose, not always or often visible, but 

 recognised by the discharge of muco-pvinilent matter, and the peculiar fcetor from 

 which the disease derives its name. It resembles glanders, in being confined, in most 

 instances, to one nostril, and tbe submaxillarjr gland on the same side being enlarged; 

 but differs from it in the gland not being adherent, and the discharge, from its earliest 

 stage, being purulent and stinking. 



There is sometimes a foetid discharge from the nostril, in consequence of inflamma- 

 tion of the lungs, or produced by some of the sequelae of pheumonia; distinguished, 

 however, from ozena, by its usually flowing irregularly, being coughed up in great 

 quantities, more decidedly purulent, and the gland or glands seldom affected. The 

 discharge from ozena is constant, muco-purulent, and attended b}' enlargement of the 

 glands. It is of immense consequence that we should be enabled to distinguish the 

 one from the other ; for while ozena may, sometimes at least, be manageable, the 

 other is too frequently the precursor of death. 



The cause of ozena cannot always be discovered. Chronic inflammation of the 

 membrane may assume another and malignant character. In severe catarrh, the 

 membrane may become abraded, and the abrasions may degenerate into foul and fcetid 

 ulcers. It is not an unfrequent consequence of epidemic catarrli. It has been pro- 

 duced by caustic applications to the lining membrane of the nose. It has followed 

 haemorrhage, spontaneous, or the consequence of injur)'. 



In some cases, and those as obstinate as any, it cannot perhaps be traced to any 

 probable cause, and the health of the animal has not apjiearcd to be in the slightest 

 degree affected. 



The membrane of the nose is highly sensitive and irrita!)le, and an ulcer, in what- 

 ever way formed on it, does not readily heal. It often runs on to gangrene, and 

 destroys not only the membrane, but the bone beneath, and even the cartilaginous 

 septum. This is rarely the case in glanders ; arid the ravages of the chancrous ulcers 

 are usually confined to the memlirane. The ulceration proceeds to a certain point — 

 its progress is then arrested, usually by nature alone — the discharge gradually lessens 

 —it loses its oflensive character, and at length ceases. 



Local applications are seldom available in the treatment of this disease ; for we 

 know not the situation of tlie ulcer; and if we did, we probably could not get at it. 

 Some have recommended setons. Where are they to be applied ] If the seat of 

 ulceration is unknown, the seton maj' only give useless pain. Several pnst-morteni 

 examinations have shown that the frontal sinuses are a frequent seat of the disease. 

 Yet what injection could we usel An emollient one would be thrown away. A 

 stimulating injection might convert ozena into glanders. Other examinations have 

 shoAvn that the superior portion of the central meatus was diseased. What instru- 

 ment can be contrived to reach that"? Internal medicines are almost throAvn away in 

 this complaint: yet something, perhaps, may be done under the form of a local appli- 

 cation. The discarded nose-bag (undervalued at least by too many practitioners) 

 will afford the means of employing an emollient fomentation. The steam from a 

 bran-mash, scalding hot, will probably reach every part of the nasal cavity, and so 

 afford some chance of being beneficially applied to the r.lcer. It will, at least, 

 thoroughly cleanse the part. Hy means of the nose-bag and the warm mash, the 

 chloride of Time may be introduced into the cavity; not only combining with tbe 

 extricated gases, and removing the fVtor, but arresting the tendency to decomposition. 



Then there is a digestive — a gentle stimulus to abraded and ulcerated surfaces, 

 rousing them to healthy action, and without too much irritating them. — turpentine. 

 This may be applied in the form of vapour, and. in tlie best of all ways, bv using 

 the fresh yellow deal shavings instead of bran. This digestive may be brouohl into 

 contact with every part of the Schneiderian membrane, and has been servicea! 'e. 



There is another resource, and one that bids fairer to be successful than aev othei 

 with which we arc acquainted — the spring grass. It is the finest alterative, depnra 



