The bleeding polypus is not met with in the horse. For that polypus which sprouts from the nasal membrane and extends to the fauces, impeding respiration and deglutition, appearing like a disease of the structure, to which it is attached by a broad base, nothing can be done. It grows fast, and in a short time renders longer life a larger misery.
A TENACULUM.
The polypus which admits of removal is a smooth, moist, glistening and vascular body. It greatly impedes the breathing. These growths have been known to push out the cartilaginous division of the nostrils until the once free passage was all but obliterated. They provoke a constant discharge of pure mucus, and, on that account, the horse, thus affected, has been condemned as glandered. However, the truth may be at once recognized by closing the nostrils alternately. It is then easy to discover which cavity is affected, as a resistance is provoked by stopping the free channel, which bears no resemblance to glanders. To bring down the polypus, cough the horse, by making gentle pressure upon the topmost part of the windpipe; for, during the stages of glanders, any appearance at all resembling polypus is never present. It was usual, the instant the growth was visible, to transfer it with a tenaculum. This, however, like other barbarities, only did harm. The substance of a polypus is easily rent, and it bleeds freely. The bleeding concealed much, which, after proceedings rendered necessary, should be plainly seen. It is better, when sufficient room is not left for operation or inspection, to proceed with greater boldness, so as to ascertain the advantages likely to result from further measures. Then throw the horse, and with a probe-pointed, straight bistoury, slit up the nostril upon the outer side. That done, release the animal till all bleeding has ceased, when the endeavors may be renewed with a better prospect of success. Afterward, close the incision with a double set of sutures, (one set to the true nostril and another for the false nostril). Apply to the wound the chloride of zinc wash, and in a short time all will be healed.
NASAL POLYPUS.
Nasal polypus, nevertheless, is an affection often requiring the performance of tracheotomy, before any examination can be attempted. For this necessity, the operator must be prepared; but, as tracheotomy is required only to relieve the breathing during examination, the temporary tube invented by Mr. Gowing is, in that instance, decidedly to be recommended.
NASAL GLEET.
This terrible affliction is suppuration of the mucous membrane, lining the facial sinuses. It rarely occurs in the stable; but when it does, the cause mostly is to be traced to the projection of some molar tooth, and the disease is then generally hopeless. The pressure of the tooth has provoked irritation of the bone. The sinuses are no longer hollow spaces, but have been converted into cavities crowded with bony net-work. To cleanse them in that condition is impossible, and death is the only resort left to a humane proprietor.
Horses, when allowed a run at grass, are often taken up with the bones of the face swollen and soft. Percussion draws forth the same response as would be elicited by rapping upon a pumpkin. The animal, suddenly released from toil, has been playing in the field with its new associates. The simple creature could not comprehend the feet were fettered. The equine race always display joy with their heels, and the hoof, which unshod might lightly touch the neighbor's skull and no injury result, being armed with iron carries additional weight with the blow, and leaves behind a deadly bruise upon the facial bones. The following engraving, representing an extreme case of this kind, is a warning never to turn your animal into a field where others are grazing; but if you are obliged to starve a horse on grass, at all events choose a spot where it can be alone.