212 
FRACTURE OF THE TRACHEA. 
sweet ; the nasal discharge has ceased ; the system, generally, 
is relieved, and appetite good, but the emphysema has in- 
creased, and the cough is frequent. 
24th. — The mare lay down, for the first time since her 
accident, to-day, but only for a short time. The discharge 
from the wound is very profuse. The appetite being good, a 
generous dietary is enjoined, in preference to the employment 
of any medicinal agents, to sustain the system. Cough still 
very troublesome. Repeat the blister to the chest. The 
wound to be dressed as yesterday, and a pledget of lint 
placed upon it. The muscular tissue granulates very freely, 
and threatens to quickly close the opening. For the present, 
however, the cough and the discharge will prohibit this ; a 
closure could be advantageous only as occurring firmly from 
the bottom of the wound. At too early a period there would 
be danger of a purulent collection between the trachea and 
the muscles, which would speedily undo all again. 
27th. — The general system is now restored to health. 
Pulse and respiration natural ; appetite good ; cough infre- 
quent. The discharge, which has diminished daily, escapes 
chiefly by the nostrils. There is now a simple slit extending 
to the trachea, through which a little air occasionally passes. 
The orifice in the windpipe is much circumscribed. The 
patient to be fed by hand to restrict the movement of the 
neck, &c. 
Jan. 2, 1855. — The desideratum now is to limit the motion 
of the neck so as to keep the severed rings of the trachea in 
as true and constant apposition as possible. To effect this, 
two side- sticks are employed, the local irritation which has 
hitherto rendered such mechanical aids inadmissible having 
now subsided. What little discharge remains is chiefly 
nasal ; cough sonorous. 
4th. — The cartilages appear to have somewhat serrated 
edges, as if ulceration or absorption were in progress ; but 
it is attended with no unfavorable symptom. To effect the 
adjustment of the neck, a martingale is to be worn. 
6th. — The skin has nearly closed, and, by the obstruction 
thus offered to the air, &c., it creates uneasiness ; I therefore 
enlarged the opening with a bistoury. 
Feb. 2. — It is to day seven weeks since the accident 
occurred, and the mare is convalescent. In the interval 
since the last report, it again became necessary to enlarge 
the skin wound. Resides this, simple lint and tincture of 
myrrh dressings were daily applied to preserve the opening 
in a pervious condition. Latterly there was a tendency to a 
