POLYPUS OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES.
Like other mucous membranes, that covering the bronchial tubes, is liable to diseased growths, which may each remain attached by a broad base, and form a morbid elevation of the surface, or it may become loosened and retain its connection with the mucous membrane only by a neck or pedicle. An interesting case of the latter variety is recorded in the Edinburgh Veterinary Review for January, 1864, by Mr. Parker of Birmingham. It was attached to the wall of the right bronchus about an inch below the bifurcation of the trachea, and had an ovoid form measuring 8½ inches in its longest circumference by 4½ in its shorter. The pedicle was 1½ inch long and allowed the tumor to pass freely upward into the lower part of the windpipe, threatening instant suffocation. It had a fibrous structure and was continuous with the interlacing bundles of yellow elastic tissues which cover the cartilaginous rings of the bronchus.
From its frequent displacement upward the tumor gave rise to paroxysms of hurried and difficult breathing apparently threatening suffocation, but when these passed off, respiration was tolerably tranquil and easy. The fits of dyspnœa came on after any unwonted excitement, but above all after a cough. In such cases the tumor had been coughed up into the lower end of the windpipe and until it slid back into its former position, the animal seemed on the very verge of death. The paroxysms had appeared very frequently during a period of five months that had elapsed since her purchase, increasing steadily in severity and finally causing death. The lungs contained many small abscesses the result doubtless of the frequent paroxysms of dyspnœa.
Cases of this kind are not usually amenable to treatment, nevertheless as they are pretty certain to end fatally if neglected, it would be quite permissible to perform tracheotomy in the lower part of the neck and attempt to snare the tumor with an elastic wire passed through a single or double tube. The tumor might even be seized by a vulsella and twisted off, provided it could be reached.