136 PKACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



ACUTE CATAERHAL BRONCHITIS. 



Give the synonyms. 



Bronchial catarrh, cold on the chest. 



What is acute catarrhal bronchitis? 



It is an acute catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane 

 lining the larger and middle-sized bronchial tubes. 



What is the pathology? 



The pathology does not differ very materially in any of the 

 forms — that is, whether the larger or the smaller tubes are af- 

 fected. As a rule, it does not originate in the tubes themselves, it 

 probably being a continuation of an inflammation of some of the 

 adjacent structures. 



The mucous membrane becomes reddened and swollen, either 

 uniformly so or in patches, and dry; soon the tubes contain a clear, 

 transparent mucus, which, after a time, becomes opaque, whitish, 

 yellowish, or even greenish in color, changing according to the 

 amount of pus-cells that are present. As a rule, the tubes on both 

 sides seem to be equally affected. 



What are the causes? 



It may be the result of debility, constitutional diseases, sudden 

 changes in the atmosphere, inhalations of impure air, irritating 

 gases, etc., chillings of the skin, foreign bodies in the bronchial 

 tubes, improper drenching. 



It may be associated or secondary to other diseases, as influ- 

 enza, glanders, pneumonia, or it may be caused by micro-organisms. 



What are the symptoms ? 



At the onset it may be marked by coryza, sore throat, and with 

 shiverings; as the disease develops, the pulse becomes frequent, 

 soft, and weak, but quick; there is a high fever, the temperature 

 ranging generally between 105° and 106° F.; the respirations are 

 quickened and more or less difficult. 



There is more or less interference with the appetite, there is 

 thirst, the visible mucous membranes are reddened, there is a les- 

 sening of the secretions and excretions, the urine being high- 

 colored and scanty. 



The cough which is present seems to be the essential feature 



