104 



THE WINDPIPE. 



The windpipe, or trachea, as it is technically called, is the flexible 

 tube that extends from the larynx which it succeeds at the throat 

 to above the base of the heart in the chest, where it terminates by 

 dividing into the right and left bronchi, the tubes going to the right 

 and left lung respectively. The windpipe is composed of about fifty 

 incomplete rings of cartilage united by ligaments. A muscular layer 

 is situated on the superior surface of the rings. Internally the tube 

 is lined with a continuation of the mucous membrane that lines the 

 entire respiratory tract, which here has very little sensibility in 

 contrast to that lining the larynx, which is endowed with exquisite 

 sensitiveness. 



The windpipe is not subject to any special disease, but is more or 

 less affected during laryngitis (sore throat), influenza, bronchitis, etc., 

 and requires no special treatment. The membrane may be left in a 

 thickened condition after these attacks. One or more of the rings 

 may be accidentally fractured, or the tube may be distorted or mal- 

 formed, the result of violent injury. After the operation of trache- 

 otomy it is not uncommon to find a tumor or malformation as a re- 

 sult or sequel of the operation. In passing over this section atten- 

 tion is merely called to these defects, as they require no particular 

 attention in the way of treatment. However, it may be stated that 

 any one of the before-mentioned conditions may constitute one of the 

 causes of noisy respiration described as " roaring." 



GUTTURAL POUCHES. 



These two sacks are not included in the organs of respiration, but 

 sometimes pus collects in them to an extent that considerably inter- 

 feres with respiration. They are in close proximity to the pharynx and 

 larynx, and when filled with matter the functions of the last-named or- 

 gans can not be properly performed. They are situated above the 

 throat, and communicate with the pharynx, as well as with the cavity 

 of the tympanum of the ear. They are peculiar "to solipeds. They 

 contain air, except when filled with pus. Their function is unknown. 



One or both guttural pouches may contain pus. The symptoms are: 

 Swelling on the side below the ear and an -intermittent discharge of 

 matter from one or both nostrils, especially when the head is depressed. 



The swelling is soft, and, if pressed upon, matter will escape from 

 the nose if the head is depressed. As before mentioned, these pouches 

 communicate with the pharynx, and through this small opening matter 

 may escape. A recovery is probable if the animal is turned out to 

 graze, or if he is fed from the ground, as the dependent position of the 

 head favors the escape of matter from the pouches. In addition to 

 this, give the tonics recommended for nasal gleet. If this treatment 

 fails an operation must be performed, which should not be attempted 

 by any one unacquainted with the anatomy of the part. 



