Spasms of the Larynx and Laryngitis. 139 



breath ; the eyeballs protrude, and the neck is carried 

 in a line with the back ; the flanks heave with most 

 excessive violence, and every time the poor beast mspii*es 

 air, a somid is emitted, which will vary in its character 

 and intensity according to the vigor of the spasm. As 

 the disease proceeds, the general symptoms become more 

 yiolent — the mucous membrane of the mouth assumes 

 a purple color ; the animal becomes partially unconscious ; 

 he rushes wildly from place to place, as though seeking 

 in vain for aid ; the body becomes suffused with streamy 

 perspiration. Youatt says, in acute laryngitis the blood 

 must be abstracted, from the jugular vein, copiously, 

 depending on the degree of inflammation, and not for- 

 getting that he has to do with inflammation of the mu- 

 cous membrane, and that what he does he must do 

 quickly ; bleed, until the pulse flutters or the constitution 

 is evidently affected. 



Next must be given the fever medicine, the digitalis, 

 nitre, and emetic tartar, with aloes. Aloes may here be 

 safely given, because the chest is not yet imuUcated. To 

 this must be added, and immediately, a bolster, and a 

 sharp one. The surgeon is sure of the part, and he can 

 bring his counter-irritant almost hito contact with it. 



Treatment. — Nauseants, counter-irritants And trach- 

 eotomy are the principal agents, in view of immr^diate 

 reUef. When the patient is attacked suddenly, and 

 shows all the worst features of the disease, he can only 

 be reUeved by a sui'gical operation called tracheotomy. 

 The operation is not considered a dangerous one, yet the 

 services of a qualified person are indispensable; as also 

 in cases which result from the presence of morbid 

 growths in the vicuiity of the larynx, surgical skill must 

 be sought. Lobelia is considered a very good relaxant ; 

 it is extolled very highly by some physicians for the cure 

 of asthmatical complaints, and for relaxing rigid parts ; 

 it has been used for a number of years on all classes of do- 

 mestic animals, and Ave consider it a valuable anti-spasmodic. 

 A strong infusion of lobeha can be brought in contact 

 with the horse's nostrils by means of a sponge, and perhaps 



