THE EDINBURGH VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
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sorted to ; for, although the operation is easily performed, and is 
attended with little danger, still as contraction of the trachea about 
the wound often follows, which may be productive of future incon- 
venience, if not require a constant use of the tube, the operation 
ought not to be undertaken, if it can be avoided. The horse in 
which tracheotomy was performed here in February 1845 is at 
daily work, and in high condition ; but it has been found necessary 
to continue the use of the tube, although several trials have been 
made to dispense with it. 
The case of erysipelas occurred in a cart mare, the property of a 
poor man, who brought her here, exhibiting the following symp- 
toms : — There was great heat and pain in the skin of the head, 
but more especially in that of the lips, attended with considerable 
engorgement of the subcutaneous cellular tissue, which caused the 
head to appear much increased in size. The swelling was dense, 
but in some places pitted under pressure. A swelling of corre- 
sponding character existed along the inferior parts of the trunk, 
and extended from the sternum to the pubis, hanging down to the 
extent of four inches, and from side to side measuring eighteen 
inches. The extremities were also somewhat affected, especially 
the off hind leg, in which the skin was particularly hot and painful. 
The pulse was of an irritable rather than inflammatory character ; 
the appetite was variable, the breathing quickened, and there was 
so much debility present, that the animal appeared scarcely able to 
move. From the owner’s account of the mare, she was stated to 
have been unwell for some time before being brought here ; and so 
far as could be learned from him, as to the symptoms existing, her 
former illness appeared to have been pleurisy. The symptoms of 
erysipelas had more recently made their appearance. Mild laxative 
medicine was gi'tfen in the first instance, followed by antimonials 
and nitre ; afterwards tonics and diuretics, as the case appeared to 
require. The mare has now recovered. 
The case of myelitis occurred in a black cart-horse, the property 
of a carter at Leith. It was stated that the symptoms first observed, 
on going into the stable in the morning, were dulness and a de- 
gree of stupor. He was considered quite well on the previous 
night. Soon after he was noticed to be unwell he fell down, and 
was unable to rise. The farrier was sent for, who bled him, and 
administered some laxative medicine, and he said that the pulse 
was quick and strong. I was requested to see him during the day, 
and found him lying stretched out — pulse 90, and respiration much 
increased in frequency. Although at times there was a de- 
gree of coma, there was never an entire absence of consciousness. 
He could raise his head, and took some food, especially boiled tur- 
nips and hay. He was twice raised with slings and pulleys, but, 
