58 VETERINAET MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



Chronic cough, when following bronchitis or influenza, is usually ac- 

 companied by an extra secretion of mucus; but we sometimes find it 

 when the membrane is perfectly dry. 



Treatment. — The treatment of the malady must depend on the 

 cause from which it proceeds. 



When the cough proceeds from irritability of the larynx, considerable 

 benefit, even in cases of some standing, will be found to result from the 

 application of external irritation to the throat. Chawner advises: 



Croton oil .15 to 20 drops. 



Glycerin | i. 



Rub on throat and windpipe once every two days. 



With a view of allaying the irritation which generally accompanies the 

 passage of food down the throat, it useful to cut the hay and wet it; and 

 five or six pounds of carrots may be given with the other food daily. The 

 tendency to irritation is diminished by giving food and water often and 

 in small quantities at a time. 



If the cough appears to depend on disturbance of the lungs, as a 

 sympathetic affection, the real cause, which is usually indigestion, must 

 be treated. Careful attention should be paid to the diet, and an abun- 

 dance of pure air must be afforded. The best and most nutritious food 

 only should be given. Any distention of the belly, such as that caused 

 by the use of bulky forage, always affects unfavorably the free movement 

 of the lungs, whilst bad food will be certain to aggravate the indigestion. 

 With a special view of avoiding any undue distention of the stomach, 

 both food and water should be given in small quantities, and at frequent 

 intervals. 



In very many cases, whether the cough arises from irritability of the 

 membrane of the larynx, or from the lungs, in sympathy with the diges- 

 tive organs, much benefit will be derived from the administration of tar, 

 either in water or in balls. For the purpose of impregnating the water, 

 it will be sufficient to pour a quart of the best tar into a large cask, from 

 which the water may, when required, be drawn; or the following ball 

 may be given daily, viz. : 



Tar ? i. 



Linseed meal Sufficient. 



Make six balls 



