BRONCHITIS. 113 



give distinct evidence of thirst, and its general demeanor be de- 

 cidedly listless; the mucous membrane lining the nose is redder 

 than usual and in the early stage dry; the same condition exists 

 in the bronchial tubes, which accounts for the harsh sound 

 observed on auscultating the chest; as the disease advances this 

 dry condition of the lining membrane will be changed and replaced 

 by an increased secretion of mucus, producing a moist sound; this 

 is a favorable condition, as it is indicative of the fact that the in- 

 flammation is subsiding; when the disease is at its height the 

 animal rarel}^ lies down in consequence of the difficulty exper- 

 ienced in breathing. At this period it is important to select those 

 remedies which tend to assist in the expulsion of the accumulated 

 mucus, otherwise some of the smaller bronchial tubes may become 

 blocked up permanently, and the result will be what is known as 

 thick whid, a condition which materially reduces the value of an 

 animal and renders him unable to perform work which demands 

 strong and continuous exertion. 



Treatment. — Aconite 3X. This is invariably the first remedy 

 to be given to abate the febrile conditions; especially when the 

 skin and mouth are dry and hot, and thirst is very pronounced; 

 membrane lining nose dry and red; cough harsh, drj" and short; 

 urine scanty and high colored. 



Bryonia 3X. — After two or three preliminary doses of Aconite 

 and the inflamed condition of the membrane of the windpipe has 

 ■extended down to the point in the chest where it divides into two 

 branches and enters the lungs Bryonia is the remedy; the Aconite 

 may be discontinued; under Bryonia the dryness of the membrane 

 which produced the short, dry cough, and particularly, if this is 

 aggravated by motion, will be replaced by a moist exudation; but 

 when the disease has extended beyond this point Bryonia must 

 not be relied upon as it has no effect upon the smaller bronchial 

 tubes. 



Mercurius solnbilis j. — This remed}' has a great reputation for 

 inflammatory bronchial affections, and is credited with the power 

 of penetrating to the finest tubes; it certainly is peculiarly ef- 

 fective under such conditions, when other symptoms, such as 

 -swollen glands, sore throat, slavering from the mouth, moist, soft 

 cough are also observable. 



Antimoniitm tartaricicm 6x. — This is an extremely serviceable 

 8 



