412 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



may be administered, but it is well to avoid giving drenches. 

 When the malady is subsiding, a stimulating application, such 

 as the liniment of cantharides, may be applied to the throat. 

 Tumours of the larynx, though not frequent in the ox, are very 

 serious impediments to the function of breathing. Moreover, 

 there may be tumours of adjacent parts, or other complications 

 which interfere with respiration. 



BRONCHITIS. 



Bronchitis^ or inflammation of the lining membrane of the 

 bronchial tubes and trachea. This disease is rather frequent in 

 the ox, being generally brought on by exposure, or such mecha- 

 nical causes as the entry of solid or liquid particles into the air 

 passages or the presence of parasites in the lungs. In oxen 

 afflicted with bronchitis the pulse is hard at first, the respira- 

 tions are greatly increased in number, the cough is frequent 

 and distressing. Those mucous membranes which can be seen 

 present a purple hue, owing to a want of oxidation, and there 

 is much debility. There is a profuse discharge from the nostrils, 

 which is at first watery, and at a later date becomes of a thick 

 consistence. Death may come on from suffocation, owing to 

 blocking of the air-passages or possibly to extension of the 

 inflammation to the pleura. 



In cases of bronchitis it is very important to keep up the 

 strength of the animal, to attend carefully to every want, and 

 to allow a free supply of pure air. Steaming should be resorted 

 to, and the steam should be impregnated with some suitable 

 antiseptic. Stimulating applications should be applied to the 

 sides of the chest and to the trachea. If the bowels are con- 

 stipated, they should be freely opened, and the action of the 

 heart should be maintained, if it be thought necessary to do so, 

 by means of the administration of stimulants, and enemas may 

 be given. At a later time it is advisable to administer diffusible 

 stimulants, together with vegetable tonics, and to allow a liberal 

 diet. 



Chronic bronchitis frequently occurs in oxen, and there is in 

 these cases a persistent hacking cough, general weakness, a 

 tendency to slight febrile attacks, emaciation, and inability to 

 undergo exertion. This disorder may be associated with asthma, 

 emphysema, and consolidation of portions of the lung. In 



