Like other mucous membranes, that covering the bronchial tubes, is
liable to diseased growths, which may each remain attached by a broad
base, and form a morbid elevation of the surface, or it may become
loosened and retain its connection with the mucous membrane only by a
neck or pedicle. An interesting case of the latter variety is recorded
in the _Edinburgh Veterinary Review_ for January, 1864, by Mr. Parker of
Birmingham. It was attached to the wall of the right bronchus about an
inch below the bifurcation of the trachea, and had an ovoid form
measuring 8½ inches in its longest circumference by 4½ in its shorter.
The pedicle was 1½ inch long and allowed the tumor to pass freely upward
into the lower part of the windpipe, threatening instant suffocation. It
had a fibrous structure and was continuous with the interlacing bundles
of yellow elastic tissues which cover the cartilaginous rings of the
bronchus.
From its frequent displacement upward the tumor gave rise to paroxysms
of hurried and difficult breathing apparently threatening suffocation,
but when these passed off, respiration was tolerably tranquil and easy.
The fits of dyspnœa came on after any unwonted excitement, but above all
after a cough. In such cases the tumor had been coughed up into the
lower end of the windpipe and until it slid back into its former
position, the animal seemed on the very verge of death. The paroxysms
had appeared very frequently during a period of five months that had
elapsed since her purchase, increasing steadily in severity and finally
causing death. The lungs contained many small abscesses the result
doubtless of the frequent paroxysms of dyspnœa.
Cases of this kind are not usually amenable to treatment, nevertheless
as they are pretty certain to end fatally if neglected, it would be
quite permissible to perform tracheotomy in the lower part of the neck
and attempt to snare the tumor with an elastic wire passed through a
single or double tube. The tumor might even be seized by a vulsella and
twisted off, provided it could be reached.