BRONCHOCELE.
This disease, which entails much suffering upon the human species, under the name of "goitre," is, in the horse, a very trivial affair. The cause of its origin has not yet been made plain. It is, however, a sign that nature suffers in some essential particular. In the sunless depths of the valleys about the Alps, it is, with man, a frightful deformity. May not the dark and close stables, in which horses too often are confined, have something to do with its production in these animals?
It is an enlargement of a substance anatomically called the thyroid gland. This body resides upon the larynx, immediately under the jaw. It is occasionally as large as a hen's egg, but seldom is of greater magnitude. Its natural size is that of half a chestnut. The enlargement appears to occasion no inconvenience, and is only objected to because horsemen consider it unsightly. Purchasers, moreover, are fastidious about buying an animal which exhibits any unusual development.
It, however, generally yields to treatment, and the animal need not be taken from gentle work during the time occupied by the cure. Let the following drink be given night and morning:—
| Iodide of potassium | Half a drachm. |
| Liquor potassæ | One drachm. |
| Distilled water | Half a pint. |
At the periods stated for giving the medicine, rub into the enlargement a portion of the annexed ointment. Remember, any of the unguent being left upon the hair is proof positive that sufficient friction has not been employed. The ointment can in no way benefit the external covering. The object of friction is to get the ointment absorbed. This it effects by promoting warmth, and thereby inducing dryness, both of which stimulate the pores of the skin to take up outward moisture.
When this is being accomplished, there is no necessity for extraordinary care or excessive attention. The tumor, which constitutes bronchocele, is certainly not endowed with morbid sensibility. Sufficient force for the purpose in view, therefore, may be safely exerted; but, at the same time, it is always well, where horses are concerned, to discard anything approaching to violence. Consequently, exercise a proper discretion when employing the following ointment:—
| Iodide of lead | One drachm. |
| Simple cerate | One ounce. |