102 



is removed to clean it tlie lips of tlie wound may be pressed together 

 to ascertain whetlier or not the horse can breath 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 especiallj^ 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 cartilage of the wind-pipe, and keep the wound open by tying the 

 strings over the neck. The operation of tracheotomy is not always 

 successful in saving the animal's life, and the principal reason of this 

 is that it is deferred too long and the animal is beyond recovery before 

 it is attempted. 



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 x)assed. At any time during the attack, 

 if the hoi'se becomes weak, give the following drench every four or 

 five hours : Spirits of nitrous ether, 2 ounces ; rectified spirits, 2 ounces ; 

 water, 1 pint. When the i)Ower of swallowing is regained and the i)ro- 

 fuse discharge of thick, yellowish-white matter from the nostrils 

 announces the fact of the convalescing stage, administer the follow- 

 ing: Tincture of the iDerchloride of iron, 1 ounce; tincture of gentian, 

 2 ounces; water, 1 pint. This should be given every morning and 

 evening for about a week or ten days. Good nutritive food must now 

 be given — hay, oats, and corn. Do not be in a hurry to put the ani- 

 mal 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. 



If abscesses form in connection with the disease they must be opened 

 to allow the escape of pus, but do not rashl}- plunge a knife into 

 swollen glands; wait until j^ou are certain the swelling contains pus. 

 The formation of pus may be encouraged by the constant application 

 of poultices for hours at a time. The best iwultice for the purpose is 

 made of linseed meal, with sufficient hot water to make a thick paste. 

 If the glands remain swollen for some time after the attack, rub well 

 over them an application of the following: Biniodido of mercurj^, 1 

 dram; lard, 1 ounce; mix well. This may be applied once every day 

 until the part is blistered. 



Sore throat is also a symptom of other diseases, such as influenza, 

 strangles, purpura hemorrhagica, etc., which diseases may be consulted 

 under their proper headings. 



After a severe attack of inflammation of the larynx the mucous 

 membrane may be left in a thickened condition, or an ulceration of 

 the part may ensue, either of which are liable to produce a chronic 

 cough. For the ulceration it is useless to prescribe, because it can 

 neither be diagnosed nor topically treated by the non-professional. 



