CHAPTER II. 



DISEASES OF THE LARYNX. 



Examination. — (a) With the mouth speculum, laryngo- 

 scope and good light, the anterior portion of the larynx and 

 the surrounding tissues can be readily inspected provided the 

 tongue is drawn well forward. 



(b) By examining some of the nasal discharge collected 

 with a dressing forceps carrying a pledget of cotton, its 

 character is decided. 



(c) By palpation, enlargements, injuries and the degree 

 of sensitiveness may be determined. 



Laryngitis.— Two forms of laryngitis are frequently 

 observed in small animals, viz: (a) Acute, and (b) chronic. 



Acute Laryngitis.— Definition.— An acute catarrhal inflam- 

 mation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. 



Etiology. — (a) Excessive use of the voice (barking). This 

 is often seen at dog shows; in hounds after hunting; in some 

 dogs when penned up or tied; during the course of rabies and 

 the nervous form of distemper; excitement. 



(6) Inhalations of dust, dirt, etc.; injuries (tight collars, 

 etc.). Inhalations of gases and smoke; irritating drugs and 

 chemicals. 



(c) Exposure to cold. 



(d) Infections (staphylococcus, etc.) and during the course 

 of infectious diseases (rabies, distemper, etc.). 



(e) Extension of inflammation from adjacent parts. 

 Pathology. — (a) There is an acute inflammation of the 



mucous membrane which, in the early stages, is covered by 

 a thin serous exudate which later becomes turbid from admix- 

 ture of leukocytes. From the irritation produced by cough- 

 ing small quantities of blood are often raised. When infection 

 is present the secretions are mucopurulent in character. 



