210 
THE EDINBURGH VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
itself, and consisted in the animal suffering difficulty of breathing 
to an extent, from appearances, almost sufficient to induce suffocation. 
The respiration was accompanied by an exceedingly loud noise, as 
if arising from some loose membrane vibrating in the larynx during 
the passage of air over it ; so loud, indeed, was the noise during 
even ordinary breathing, that the owner could not venture to the 
College with the horse, except very early in the morning, before 
the streets became crowded. On examining the frsenum of the 
epiglottis and entrance into the larynx by the hand, no tumours ot 
other substance could be found similar to what has occurred in 
other cases offering somewhat analogous symptoms, and which could 
give rise to those existing in this instance ; yet, on applying either 
the ear or the hand on the outside of the larynx, it was evident, 
from the vibrating sensation imparted, that the cause of obstruction 
was situated therein. Fearing the strength of the patient might 
sink or suffocation ensue, unless prompt means of relief were 
adopted, treacheotomy was performed, and a tube inserted into 
the trachea a little below the larynx, which was attended by 
immediate relief to the breathing. Setons were placed on each 
side of the larynx, and a blister applied over all. 
Since the operation the horse’s condition has materially improved; 
he has begun to perform his ordinary work, and still continues to 
wear the tube. When it is removed for the purpose of cleaning, 
and pressure made on the opening, he appears to breathe through 
the nostrils with much greater freedom than previously to the 
operation; still, however, he is far from breathing calmly, unless 
the tube is retained in its situation. 
The other case of laryngitis, although marked in the column for 
horses, occurred in an ass. The inflammatory action had in this 
instance run on to a considerable extent, while the swelling and 
effusion consequent thereon had produced oedema of the glottis to 
a degree almost causing suffocation. In this case, however, it was 
evident that the bronchise and lungs participated in the inflamma- 
tion ; and, more as a temporary means of relief, and to afford the 
students an opportunity of again seeing the operation and conditions 
under which it is justifiable, than from any idea of its proving 
permanently beneficial, treacheotomy was performed. 
The animal, however, died on the following day. On dissection 
the mucous membrane of the larynx and fauces was shewn to be 
much inflamed, accompanied by considerable infiltration into the 
cellular tissue connecting it to the contiguous muscles. This case 
bears considerable resemblance to one presenting somewhat similar 
symptoms, which occurred some time ago in a tiger cat at the 
Zoological Gardens. 
It will be seen that two cases have died of hepatitis in cattle. 
