210 
FRACTURE OF THE TRACHEA. 
that it consists in a simple separation, more or less extensive, 
of two of the rings. The large amount of air extravasated, 
associated, in all probability, with some bruise of the oesoph- 
agus, prevents deglutition. The direction of the blow, and 
the position of this organ, have, however, preserved it from 
more serious injury. Any attempt to swallow is attended 
with pain and cough. 
The treatment was simple. The mare was clothed warmly; 
her legs bandaged; an enema administered, and fomentations 
assiduously applied by means of spongio-piline. 
8 p. m. — Pulse a little fuller and more distinct, and the 
respiration easier. The fomentation has already given relief. 
It is ordered to be continued all night, and good gruel to be 
occasionally offered to the animal. The bowels have acted 
gently. I w r as earnestly pressed to bleed by an amateur ; 
he being under an impression that internal hemorrhage 
existed, and by a professional gentleman also, from fear of 
bronchitis. This I declined to do, having no apprehension 
of either the one or the other being present, and I very much 
dreaded the result of so depressing a measure on a system 
already but too much enervated. Besides which, I conceived 
it was not likely that there would be any return of the 
appetite, or rather of the power to deglutate for a few 
days under the most favorable circumstances. In no case, 
I was of opinion, could bleeding be more decidedly contra- 
indicated. 
17th. After a quiet night, the animal is better. The 
depression is considerably abated. Pulse soft, and 60 in the 
minute. Respiration easy, 16 in the minute, and no longer 
attended with the flapping noise alluded to in yesterday’s 
report as the piline supports the loosened skin. The cough is 
louder, and not so troublesome, but the mouth emits a 
sickly odour. The other symptoms are as yesterday. 
The fomentation to be persisted in day and night. Ad- 
minister also gruel enemata and give 
Spt. Nit. iEther., 3iss ; 
Liq. Ammon. Acet., ^iv. Ut haustus. 
The mare has managed to swallow a little water, and a 
portion of finely cut Sw ede turnip. Scalded oats, gruel, &c., 
to be occasionally offered to her. 
18th. My patient does not appear so well to-day. Pulse 
60 ; respiration 24 ; legs and ears cold. She is also uneasy, 
shifts her legs about, champs her jaws about, &c. She is 
likewise purging, and suffering from abdominal pain. She had 
given to her, as has been stated, a small dose of aloes on the 
