20 RURAL VETERINARY SECRETS 



CATARRHAL LARYNGITIS 



Catarrhal laryngitis is one of the commonest diseases of horses 

 and cattle. It frequently assumes an enzootic form, being very 

 prevalent during the changeable weather of spring and fall. The 

 disease may be primary or secondary. 



The causes of primary laryngitis are : Chilling, inhalation of 

 irritant dust, gases, ingestion of fermenting foods (brewer's grains, 

 distillery slops, potato residue), continued bellowing of cattle, 

 throat latch of bridle too tight, and primary infections. 



Secondary laryngitis accompanies many of the infectious dis- 

 eases, especially influenza and strangles of the horse, tuberculosis 

 of the ox, cholera of swine, and verminous bronchitis of sheep. A 

 spread ,of inflammation from neighboring organs (pharynx, trachea) 

 may induce laryngitis. The causes of chronic catarrhal laryngitis 

 are the same as those of the acute form, the irritant acting mildly 

 but repeatedly or persistently. 



SYMPTOMS 



A dominant symptom of laryngitis is a dry, harsh cough which 

 the patient seeks to suppress. It is especially noticeable when the 

 animal is brought out into cold air or given a cold drink of water. 

 Excitement also induces cough. The larynx is sensitive to pressure, 

 which may bring about a spell of coughing. In some patients 

 hoarseness'is evident. On listening to the larynx rough and some- 

 times whistling tones are heard, which tend to diminish in intensity 

 toward the chest. Nasal discharge is usually present. If the 

 pharynx is also involved there will be difficulty in swallowing. The 

 lymph glands of the submaxillary region are swollen and sensitive. 

 Except in secondary laryngitis the pulse and temperature remain 

 about normal. There is difficulty in breathing only when there is 

 marked swellins: of the mucosa. 



DIAGNOSIS 



The diagnosis depends upon the presence of cough, sensitive- 

 ness of the larynx, mild fever, and the negative evidence adduced 

 from a thorough examination of the lungs. Secondary laryngitis 

 may be distinguished from primary forms by the high temperature, 

 general depression of the patient and symptoms of the primary 

 disease. 



