ABSCESS OF THE THROAT 257 



at this time. It should, however, be given in small quantities and often. 

 Where bodily weakness is very marked, two or three eggs may be added 

 to the diet as many times a day, and an ounce or two of alcohol may 

 with advantage be mixed with the drinking-water morning and evening. 

 Later on, and as the animal recovers appetite and strength, mineral and 

 vegetable tonics in the form of sulphate of iron and gentian will aid in 

 bringing about complete restoration to health. 



ABSCESS OF THE THROAT 



The growth of abscess in this situation is of seldom occurrence, 

 except in connection with strangles. Occasionally, however, it results 

 from the lodgment of a foreign body in the throat, as a thorn, thistle- 

 prick, splinter of wood, pin, fine nail, or other similar substance. Pharyn- 

 gitis proceeding from a severe cold sometimes terminates in the formation 

 of an abscess. 



Symptoms. — These, in the first instance, simulate an ordinary sore 

 throat, and later, according to the situation and extent of the swelling, 

 give evidence of considerable suffering and distress. With the progress 

 of the abscess swallowing becomes difficult if not altogether impossible. 

 When attempted, pain is denoted by the spasmodic movement of the 

 head to one side as the bolus enters the pharynx, or if water is being 

 taken much of it will return down the nostrils. 



The head is extended on the neck, and, when turning, is moved stiffly 

 round. More or less general enlargement will appear about the throat, 

 and if the abscess be superficial a special prominence will be observed at 

 the point where it is being formed. In cases where it is deeply seated 

 and " pointing " inward there may be but little outward swelling to mark 

 its presence, and should it break internally and the matter pass down the 

 throat, as is sometimes the case, all evidence of its having existed will 

 disappear, but it will not be overlooked that the patient's pain and 

 suffering has suddenly disappeared with it. 



The presence and disruption of an abscess will sometimes be indicated 

 by a copious discharge of matter from the nostrils and a simultaneous 

 subsidence of the acute symptoms and return of the power of deglutition. 

 It not infrequently happens that these throat abscesses break during a 

 sharp fit of coughing, which mostly occurs from time to time during 

 their formation. 



Slight fever will exist while the abscess is in the process of develop- 

 ment, but this will quickly subside after it has broken and emptied itself. 



Treatment. — This must be directed towards maturing the abscess 



