LARYNGITIS. lOI 



LARYNGITIS. 



This term is intended to convey the idea that the mucous mem- 

 "brane and soft structures of that complex organ situate at the 

 top of the trachea (or windpipe) are inflamed; through the 

 mechanism of the larynx the pitch or tone of the voice is mainly 

 regulated, and though among the lower orders of animal creation 

 this function is not turned to much account, it is an organ which 

 in the horse demands careful and thoughtful consideration because 

 of the important part it plaj's in the performance of the various 

 acts involved in respiration and the serious consequence affecting 

 the pecuniary value and general utility of an animal whose 

 larynx is structurally defective. 



We shall consider first that condition known as inflammation of 

 the larynx (laryngitis ) because it usually precedes in greater or 

 less degree inflammation of other parts of the respiratory tract, 

 and that alteration in structure of the organ which is the cause of 

 a horse making the noise known as "Roaring;'' and then before 

 proceeding to the consideration of affections of other parts of the 

 respiratory tract, roaring will be dealt with from a homoeopathic 

 standpoint. 



Laryngitis is generally accompanied hy a more or less extensive 

 inflammation of the surrounding parts and is marked by a hard, 

 dry, rasping cough which suggests that the calibre of the organ is 

 reduced in size or that its shape is material!}^ altered, and herein 

 is the danger which attends its development, lest the opening 

 through the larynx should become blocked up, interfering with 

 the function of respiration and so producing suffocation. 



The cough usually appears to cause inconvenience and some 

 pain, and comes on in paroxysms; the throat generally is swollen, 

 extending sometimes to the glands between the jaws and those 

 situate at the back of the jawbone from the ear downwards, 

 known as the parotid glands; the horse almost invariably stands 

 with its head straight out, the nose elevated, and if the upper 

 part of the box door happens to be open the animal will be found 

 with its chin resting on the lower half of that which is closed; 

 great difficulty is experienced in swallowing either solid or liquid 

 nutriment; the temperature is exalted; the pulse full and hard 

 and the respiration decidedly urgent. A favorable termination 



