Fig. 165.—Manual examination of the larynx in the ox.
The hand is introduced, palm downwards, and passed as far as the pharyngeal cavity. The index finger can then easily be slipped into the glottis. Exploration must be effected rapidly and without violence. It reveals the condition of the glottis, the presence, position and form of growths like myxomata and of new tissues, due to the presence of actinomyces, as well as tuberculous vegetations or ulcerations.
By auscultation we discover the presence of normal or abnormal laryngeal sounds—roaring, whistling, or bubbling sounds, etc.
Trachea. The trachea may be examined by palpation and auscultation.
Palpation reveals the degree of sensitiveness, abnormalities in position or form, the presence of peripheral inflammations, fractures of rings, etc.
Auscultation indicates whether the tracheal sound be normal or otherwise, or accompanied by abnormal sounds, like mucous râles, or by pathological sounds conveyed from the chest.
Thorax. The thorax can be examined by inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
By inspection we discover whether the formation of the thorax as a whole is normal, or whether there exist congenital or acquired deformities, asymmetry like that produced by pneumo-thorax or deviations of ribs from the normal line, etc. One also notes the breathing movements, the manner in which the sides expand and contract, the respiratory rhythm, and any special peculiarities of inspiration or expiration.
Palpation reveals the degree of sensitiveness of the thoracic wall and of the intercostal spaces, the existence of more or less extensive local œdematous infiltration, and the presence or disappearance of thoracic conditions like hydro-thorax.