366 DISEASES OF BREATHING-. 



STMPTOMS. — The discharge of phlegm from the mucous mem- 

 brane of the larynx, as well as the inflamed condition of the part, 

 more or less closes up that passage, and occasions distress in 

 breathing, the inspiration being particularly prolonged, and at- 

 tended by a peculiar harsh sound, succeeded by a short expiratory 

 movement. This sound can be heard on applying the ear to the 

 part. There is a swelling of the throat under the jaws, and 

 tenderness on pressure at this point. There is a strong, hoarse 

 cough, the strength of which indicates that the expulsion of air 

 from the lungs is made with ease ; and the fact of the horse shak- 

 ing his head from pain, after coughing, shows that its perfomianoe 

 liurts him by reason of the air passing over the inflamed membrane. 

 The cough at first comes on in paroxysms, which are readily in- 

 duced by excitement, irritation, or movement. Breathing hurried. 

 Lining membrane of the nostrils and eyelids red, and filled with 

 blood. Nose poked out. Anxious and distressed expression of 

 face. Eyes prominent. Considerable difficulty in swallowing ; 

 food and water being often returned through the nostrils. Dis- 

 charge from the nose, and flow of tears from the eyes. The larynx- 

 is always more or less painful to the touch. In bad cases, cold 

 sweats break out over the body. The pulse, which may at first be 

 hard and full, soon becomes rapid and indistinct, fulness generally 

 remaining; the visible mucous membranes now assume a livid 

 appearance from non^oxidation of blood ; prostration of strength 

 becomes extreme ; the animal staggers, finally falls, and dies after 

 a few struggles. 



Although in simple pharyngitis there is great difficulty in 

 swallowing, and thick saliva is continually discharged from the 

 mouth, the patient suffers but little from constitutional disturbance. 



PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT.— In this disease, the vessels that lie 

 underneath the mucous membrane become distended with blood, which 

 pours out a portion of its watery fluid into the substance of the mucous 

 membrane, causing it to become soft and enlarged, and to discharge from 

 its surface quantities of phlegm (mucus). These three conditions — congestion 

 of the underlying blood-vessels, distension of the mucous membrane, and 

 the presence of phlegm — cause distress in breathing, and more or less 

 danger of suffocation by reason of the blocking up of the windpipe at this 

 part. Hence, the rational treatment is : (1) to relieve the congestion of 

 the blood-vessels ; and (2) to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. With the 

 latter object in view, we cause the animal to inhale steam, either plain, or 

 from water in which oil of turpentine or eucalyptus oil has been mixed. 

 With the former, we stimulate the skin underneath the throat, hand-rub 

 the legs, and clothe warmly, so as to draw the blood away from the 

 inflamed part. We give belladonna to relieve the congestion of the blood- 

 vessels so as to check the escape, into the tissues, of watery fluid from 

 the blood. We prescribe nitre in order to stimulate the kidneys to remove 

 waste matters from the system along with the urine, and to maintain the 

 fluidity of the blood, which nitre and certain other salts seem to have 'the 

 power of doing, so as to facilitate the passage of the blood from the seat 



