The treatment is confined entirely to treating symptoms. As in all acute inflammatory affections, moderate bleeding, sinapisms over the region of the larynx, repeated as often as necessary, or applications of antimonial ointment have been recommended. Applications of moxas or setons in the neighbourhood of the dewlap might possibly prove of value.
Internally tartar emetic, in doses proportioned to the size of the animal (2½ to 3 drachms in adults), has been recommended; also iodide of potassium.
General stimulants, like alcohol, coffee, tea, acetate of ammonia, and suitable hygienic conditions suggest themselves. Tepid drinks can be given freely. Nourishing and easily digested food, and a ration of milk complete the treatment.
Emollient and antiseptic fumigations are also of value, as in ordinary sore throat or laryngitis, for they favour the separation and discharge of the false membranes.
TUMOURS OF THE LARYNX.
Acute forms of pseudo-membranous laryngitis, or even tuberculous laryngitis, are not the only diseases which affect the larynx. It is by no means exceptional to discover intra-laryngeal tumours, mucous polypi, tuberculomes, and growths due to actinomyces, etc.
The presence of these tumours is indicated by difficulty in respiration, fits of coughing, and threatened suffocation, accompanied by discharges of varying character.
When the tumour is largely sessile, the respiration may simply be snoring or whistling, without any suggestion of suffocation; but if, on the other hand, it is pedunculated, displacement of the polypus produced by the currents of air during inspiration and expiration causes spasm of the glottis, fits of coughing and threatened suffocation.
The diagnosis is not always easy, though examination of the nasal cavities, the sinuses, trachea and chest gives negative results. Auscultation of the larynx may suggest the existence of the lesion, but an exact diagnosis can only be attained by digital examination of the larynx through the pharynx.
