Roaring 289 



This trouble may follow a local injury to the throat. 

 It is frequently a sequel to distemper. It is also fre- 

 quently seen among race - horses and others that are 

 subjected to severe work that taxes the respiratory 

 powers. It is often hereditary. Some stallions habit- 

 ually transmit this weakness to their colts. Horses 

 with long slender necks seem to be predisposed to this 

 disease. 



The disease comes on gradually; there is a slight 

 roaring or whistling sound, made when the air is taken 

 in (inspired). As the disease progresses, the breathing 

 becomes more difficult and the sounds louder. The 

 sounds are most distinct when the horse is exercised 

 violently. In severe cases, a horse can travel rapidly 

 only a short distance without "choking down." 



Roaring derives little benefit from treatment. In 

 the early stages, repeated light blisters, applied to the 

 larynx, may be beneficial. Removal, by a surgical 

 operation, of the vocal cord and the cartilage to which 

 it is attached, gives relief in a few cases. A tracheotomy 

 tube can be inserted in the windpipe of a horse used 

 for speed, though it is a temporary measure. It can- 

 not be used permanently on account of the irritation 

 it causes. 



Roaring is sometimes called "broken -wind," but it 

 must not be confounded with heaves, to which that name 

 is also applied. 



