The signs of the disease becoming worse are, increased noise in the breathing; the respiration and pulse quicken; the cough is suppressed; the nasal membrane changes to a leaden hue; the standing becomes unsteady; the horse moves about; partial sweats break forth, etc.
The symptoms of improvement are, the membrane becoming paler, or more natural in color; the cough growing freer or louder; a white, thick discharge flowing from the nostrils; the breathing, also, is easier and less noisy; together with the general demonstrations of health.
Then a little moist and succulent food may be allowed, but nothing harsh or fibrous should be presented. When the amendment is confirmed, a seton, or, in other words, a piece of tape, may be put between the skin and flesh, in the place indicated by one of the next engravings.
The seton should be moved daily, and ought to be kept in so long only as is necessary for the secretion of healthy pus. That object being obtained, cut off one of the knots, and by pulling at the other, withdraw the agent. Some slight alteration is next made in the solidity or dryness of the food; and then the neck or throat is blistered, the size and extent of the blister being indicated in a subjoined illustration.
A SETON IN THE THROAT OF A HORSE. A HORSE WITH THE THROAT BLISTERED.
The action of the vesicatory having subsided, the natural food may be returned to, only with certain cautions. The hay must be shaken out, to remove dust, and it should also be picked, to take away any harsh substances, pieces of stick, or thistle leaves. Then, the fodder being perfectly clean, should be sprinkled with water and allowed to remain soaking, at least six hours prior to its being placed before the animal. The oats, likewise, should be twice sifted and once examined thoroughly by the hand. Afterward, warm water ought to be freely poured upon them, and the grain be permitted to soak six hours before being put into the manger.
The popular opinion declares sore throat to be always present during laryngitis. That notion springs from the horse always quidding, or rejecting the pellet it has masticated, while suffering under an attack of the last-mentioned disease. The two disorders, however, are distinct; likewise the remedies for each are separate. The quidding, during laryngitis, springs from the act of deglutition, obliging the sore and inflamed larynx to rise and press the pellet against the roof of the fauces. That act occasions much pain; hence the aversion to swallow solid substances. Sore throat is, however, by no means the necessary accompaniment of laryngitis. Neither are the bowels invariably confined during the disease. It has been known that the purgation existed in such energy as to require remedies. Consequently, no absolute plan of treatment can be laid down. However, depletion should be avoided to every extent which may be possible. The chronic form of the malady, consequent upon debility, is to be much dreaded. Effusion into the membrane, covering the rim of the larynx and its attendant roaring, is too frequently the result of that weakness which is produced by active measures. Among the lesser evils are cough, which not unfrequently proves but the precursor of more potent ills. Therefore, while laryngitis lasts, rather check the fever by gentle measures than resort to antimonials, niter, or the host of lowering agents.
