BRONCHOCELE. 119 
BRONCHOCELE. 
This disease, which entails much suffering upon the human species, 
under the name of “ goitre,” is, in the horse, a very trivial affair. The 
cause of its orign has not yet been made plain. It is, however, a sign 
that nature suffers in some essential particular. In the sunless depths 
of the valleys about the Alps, it is, with man, a frightful deformity. 
May not the dark and close stables, in which horses too often are con- 
fined, have something to do with its production in these animals? 
It is an enlargement of a substance anatomically called the thyroid 
gland. This body resides upon the larynx, immediately under the jaw. 
It is occasionally as large as a hen’s egg, but seldom is of greater 
magnitude. Its natural size is that of half a chestnut. The enlarge- 
ment appears to occasion no inconvenience, and is only objected to 
because horsemen consider it unsightly. Purchasers, moreover, are 
fastidious about buying an animal which exhibits any unusual develop- 
ment. 
It, however, generally yields to treatment, and the animal need not be 
taken from gentle work during the time occupied by the cure. Let the 
following drink be given night and morning :— 
Jodide of potassium . . .. . . . . Half adrachm. 
Liquor potasse . . . . . . . . . . One drachm. 
Distilled water . . . . . . . . . . Halt'a pint. 
At the periods stated for giving the medicine, rub into the enlarge- 
ment a portion of the annexed ointment. Remember, any of the un- 
guent being left upon the hair is proof positive that sufficient friction 
has not been employed. The ointment can in no way benefit the 
external covering. The object of friction is to get the ointment ab- 
sorbed. This it effects by promoting warmth, and thereby inducing 
dryness, both of which stimulate the pores of the skin to take up outward 
moisture. 
When this is being accomplished, there is no necessity for extraor- 
dinary care or excessive attention. The tumor, which constitutes 
bronchocele, is certainly not endowed with morbid sensibility. Suf- 
ficient force for the purpose in view, therefore, may be safely exerted ; 
but, at the same time, it is always well, where horses are concerned, 
to discard anything approaching to violence. Consequently, exercise a 
proper discretion when employing the following ointment :— 
Todide of lead . . . ..... . . . One drachm. 
Simple cerate . . . . .. .. . . « One ounce. 
