328 ABSCESS FORMATION IN STJBPAROTID LYMPH GLANDS. 



maxillary gland and in chronic diseases, extirpation of the gland 

 may be necessary, but is attended with great difficulty, especially 

 in ruminants. In inflammatory diseases of the ducts of these glands 

 endeavour should be made to render patent the buccal opening of 

 the gland, give exit to its contents, and thus diminish the risk of 

 abscess and fistula formation. 



(3.) ABSCESS FORMATION IN THE SUBPAROTll) 

 LYMPH GLANDS. 



The lymph glands lying below the parotid often become diseased, 

 especially during the course of strangles, sore-throat, and other com- 

 plaints, inflammation developing, and gradually leading to abscess 

 formation. In dogs the condition is oftener due to injuries of the 

 pharynx by foreign bodies ; in cattle and swine to specific infections, 

 like those of tuberculosis and actinomycosis. 



Symptoms. Swelling appears in the parotid region, sometimes 

 close under the ear, more frequently, however, in the lower posterior 

 border of the gland, and usually spreads over the upper portion of 

 the neck. The swelling increases, producing difficulty in breathing 

 and swallowing, while the head is extended and held towards the 

 sound side. Slight fever exists. Where both sides are affected, 

 dyspnoea often develops to such a degree, especially during inspiration, 

 that suffocation threatens, and tracheotomy becomes necessary. The 

 difficulty in swallowing is attended by the danger of mechanical 

 pneumonia. 



At first the swelling appears hard and firm, and painful on 

 pressure. Gradually the centre bulges, and in eight to fourteen days 

 unmistakable fluctuation may be detected. Failing an artificial 

 opening, perforation occurs spontaneously in a few days. This 

 commonly takes place externally, but at times the abscess breaks 

 into the pharynx, and danger ensues of pus flowing into the trachea 

 and bronchi, and producing fatal pneumonia. In a few cases rupture 

 takes place both inwardly and outwardly. From the external wound 

 there then flows pus, mixed with necrotic material, saliva and particles 

 of food and water, and the formation of a pharyngeal fistula becomes 

 possible. 



Diagnosis. The disease in the horse resembles parotitis and dis- 

 tension of the guttural pouch. From parotitis it is distinguished 

 by the swelling being more diffused, and not confined to the parotid 

 region ; from disease of the guttural pouch, by the special characters 

 of such attacks, by the progress of the case and the presence of fever. 



