This is usually a symptom of some primary disorder on the cure of which it will disappear. It may, however, be a passing irritation. A persistent cough is suggestive of serious ailment, and, without delay, give the E.E., and you may save the animal.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis, or inflammation of the lining membrane of the windpipe, is due to cold, changeable weather, etc. It is distinguished from bronchitis (see next section) by a characteristic ring in the cough. The open mouth, with outstretched head, indicates difficulty of breathing and a sense of suffocation. This frequently ensues from thickening of the membrane and closure of the rima glottidis, or entrance to the windpipe. A.A., a dose two or three times per day, is the treatment.
Bronchitis, or Inflammation of the Bronchial Tubes
This disease is usually the result of exposure to cold and wet, or sudden changes of temperature; it is almost always preceded by a common cold, which has been neglected or overlooked.
Symptoms.—Cough, which becomes by degrees more painful, frequent and husky; the countenance becomes anxious and distressed; the breathing is quick, heaving and obstructed, in consequence of tough, tenacious phlegm; unwillingness to move; the breath is hot; the cough is increased by moving about, occurs in fits, and is wheezing in character; no food is eaten; the animal wastes; skin becomes dry, and is bound to the ribs; the coat stares and looks unthrifty. The animal may die from extension of the disease to the substance of the lungs.
Treatment.—The earlier stages of this disease, or catarrh, should be treated at once, as directed under that head. Then a dose or two of the Remedy for that disease removes all danger.
Remove the animal to a warm but well ventilated stable, and feed on warm mashes and gruel.
Give first, at intervals of two hours, two or three doses of the A.A., twenty drops at a dose. This will allay the heat and fever to some extent. Then alternate, at intervals of three hours, the E.E., with the A.A., the same doses, and continue this treatment until restored, only that the medicine need not be given so frequently after improvement has progressed.