544 DISEASES OF SWINE 



down the gullet, and finally involve the stomach and bowels as 

 well. 



Inflammation of the esophagus, or gullet, is not as common as 

 inflammation of the mouth or pharynx, because the irritating 

 foods pass through the gullet more rapidly, and do not remain long 

 in contact with its fining membrane. The inner coat of the esopha- 

 gus does not contain much glandular tissue, and this also prevents 

 to a certain extent infection in this part of the digestive tube, as 

 there is less opportunity for the germs of disease to get a foothold. 



In the majority of cases this disease will be seen as a result of 

 taking some irritating poison, such as carbolic acid, strong solutions 

 of lye, bichlorid of mercury, or the eating of distillers' slop while 

 very hot. 



Symptoms. — In many instances a mild case of inflammation of 

 the gullet may pass unnoticed. In the more severe cases the 

 symptoms in many respects resemble those of an inflammation of 

 the pharynx, and, in point of actual fact, the two conditions are 

 associated in the majority of cases. The same causes that would 

 produce an esophagitis would also cause a pharyngitis in the 

 greater percentage of cases. 



The principal symptoms noted in an acute case are difficulty 

 in swallowing, fixed position of the head and neck, some degree of 

 swelling along the neck, local pain and tenderness, and refusal of 

 food, owing to the great amount of difficulty in swallowing. 



Course. — The course of the disease is usually fairly short. In 

 simple acute cases the condition will clear up in from one to two 

 weeks, often without any treatment. In some of the severe 

 cases, due to acid burns, there may follow a narrowing of the gullet 

 which will make it difficult or even impossible for the animal to 

 swallow anything but liquid foods. In these cases the animal never, 

 recovers, and unless early sent to slaughter the hog becomes 

 stunted and worthless. 



Treatment. — Preventive treatment consists entirely in careful 

 feeding, to avoid the giving of any irritating substances which 

 might cause inflammation of the food passages. Especially is it 

 necessary to use caution in disposing of strong disinfectant solu- 

 tions. These must not be emptied out in the feed lots where they 

 may be taken up by the swine. 



