The pulse requires the first attention. It must be rendered less frequent and more soft, by drachm doses of tincture of aconite root in wineglasses of water, which should be repeated every half hour. This is better than blood-letting, as laryngitis is to be most dreaded because of its tendency to assume the chronic form. This tendency venesection favors; therefore, save under professional advice, refrain from bleeding.
After the pulse, the breathing next demands our care. Warmth and moisture are curative and pleasant to an inflamed surface. Procure the steaming-bag, and keep it almost constantly applied. The steaming-bag in laryngitis is of the first importance. A day's delay in its use may so aggravate the disorder as to oblige the resort to tracheotomy.
Should the steaming apparatus appear to distress the animal, it must be used only for a limited period, and be reapplied after its effect has subsided. To aid its operation, some soft hay must be obtained. Soak this in boiling water and fix it upon the throat, by means of an eight-tailed bandage, a representation of which is given below.
EIGHT-TAILED BANDAGE.
A piece of stout canvas or flannel, one yard and a quarter long, and nine inches wide, is procured.
Three slits are to be made at either end; each should be a quarter of a yard deep. This is placed round
the throat and the ends are tied, four in front of, and four behind, the ears.
So soon as the animal appears capable of enduring interference, the appended drink should be given thrice daily. While administering it, watch the horse with the utmost attention. If the slightest inclination to cough be exhibited, immediately lower the head, or the liquid may, during the spasm, be drawn down the windpipe. It is far better to lose much physic than to kill one animal. It will, generally, be more readily swallowed, if made blood warm: on no account should the twitch be used or the jaws be forced widely asunder. The neck of the bottle should be inserted into the corner of the mouth, and the quadruped should be permitted to use its discretion as to the time occupied before each gulp is swallowed.
| Infusion of squills | Two ounces. |
| Infusion of ipecacuanha | Two ounces. |
| Infusion of aconite | Half an ounce. |
| Extract of belladonna | One drachm, rubbed down with a pint of warm water. |
Mix, and give thrice daily.
The lodging should be a cool, well-aired and thickly-littered loose box. The legs ought to be bandaged and the body fully clothed. The food, during the violence of the disorder, must consist only of well-made gruel. It may be untouched; but, nevertheless, it must be changed, thrice daily, for no one can tell when the appetite may return.