rXYALISM. 



PTYALISM. 



Ptyalism is the term applied to a condition characterized 

 by an excessive secretion of saliva. In some cases the 

 secretion is enormously in excess of the normal quantity, 

 and in such cases interferes to a considerable extent 

 with the digestive process. If the flow of saliva is but 

 slightly increased, however, no bad results are likely to 

 occur. 



Causes. — The causes of ptyalism are not always sufficiently 

 apparent ; however, we know that anything that will 

 excite or stimulate the salivary glands will produce 

 ptyalism. Mercury will do this, and certain kinds of food 

 also have the power of increasing the flow of saliva — herbs, 

 and clover, of certain varieties — hence the condition is most 

 frequently seen during the summer season. In some cases 

 the increased flow of saliva may be due to the presence of a 

 foreign body in the tongue, or somewhere in the mouth, 

 hence a careful examination should be made ; such an ex- 

 amination may be dispensed with in cases where the surgeon 

 is called and finds half a dozen or more horses sufl'ering from 

 ptyalism, as the chances are largely against each of them 

 sufl'ering from some foreign body in the mouth. Still the 

 careful practitioner will not fail to give each animal a 

 separate and thorough examination. 



Treatment. — If possible, the practitioner should ascertain 

 the exciting cause ; having done this, it is afterwards to 

 be guarded against. The mouth may be washed with cold 

 water and astringent washes, as a solution of alum, ordinary 

 vinegar, etc. The food of the animal should be changed, 

 and a few doses of tonic medicine may be given. It is a 

 condition, as a rule, that is easily controlled. 



