DISEASES OF THE AIR-PASSAGES OF HORSES. 
219 
the jixiid. Moreover, it has long been an established fact in human medi¬ 
cine, that no sense of fluctuation, either by succussion or by auscultation, is 
detectable, except when gaseous fluid is mingled with the liquid efiused: a 
case, be it remarked, extremely rare. 
Such are the sounds afforded by the respiratory organs in horses: those 
of men furnish still more on account of the voice, which the surgeon hav¬ 
ing the perfect command of, manages to render of the greatest service. The 
sounds denominated hroncophomj^ egophony, and pectriloquy^ are all produc¬ 
tions of the voice under various states of disease. In animals we lack this 
valuable aid. 
W e cannot conclude these observations on auscultation without remarking, 
in a general manner, that, though of themselves of great importance, they are 
not to be regarded as infallible : they should on all occasions be coupled with 
the ordinary pathognomonic s}Tnptoms; and by the two, considered together 
and relatively, ought the practitioner to be guided. 
We must make ourselves well acquainted with the permanent existence of 
the different rales. Some sounds will be found to come and go, and become 
replaced by others quite of another character; or several sounds may exist at 
the same time. Notwithstanding all this, however, by patience, attention, 
and study, we shall be able, I think, to establish, in our explorations of the 
chest, sure diagnostics of pulmonary disease; our ear being previously well 
educated for the business. Practice will give us tact in auscultation, and 
perfection in the art will place us in a situation to estimate the advantages 
we possess over the person who refuses such aid. 
DISEASES OF THE AIR-PASSAGES OF HORSES. 
By Mr. R. PRITCHARD,* V.S., Wolverhampton. 
Alterations of structure in the bronchi are lesions of the same 
kind as those usually found in the larynx and trachea ; I will 
therefore endeavour to describe some or most of the changes of 
structure which take place in the air-tubes, from the larynx to the 
smallest subdivisions of the bronchia, and next consider the history, 
nature, and consequences of them. 
The alterations which take place in the mucous membrane of the 
air-passages, whether the vascularity, secretions, or structure be 
collectively or individually considered, are the same in kind, from 
the glottis to the air-cell. Congestion, in its passive or simple form, 
is sometimes found after death: it may have taken place during 
the life of the animal, or in the period of death, or it may be a 
post-mortem alteration. Any impediment to the return of blood 
to the left side of the heart may produce it during life. Active 
* How heartily do wc welcome back our old and valued friend to the post 
of duty and of honour! A Percivall and a Pritchard! what may not be effected 
by such men ?—Y. 
