PARALYSIS OF THE (ESOPHAGUS 51 



which grow between the muscles and muscuhir coat of the oesophagus 

 (see Fig. 26 and Phite), or by a compression stenosis, from malignant 

 goitre, and still less frequently by cicatricial contraction as a result of 

 injuries, inflammations, etc., in the cervical region. The symptoms of 

 such injuries have been already described on page 49. In cases where 

 the stenosis gradually develops, the animal has more or less difficulty 

 in swallowing. This becomes more and more difficult until finally food 

 collects in a sausage-like mass, against the constriction. Examination 

 by means of a probang makes a diagnosis more certain. The successful 

 treatment of such a condition can only be expected if the cause is due to 



Spiroptera Sanguinolenta. 



the obstruction of the oesophagus by foreign bodies or the removal of 

 tumors if they should be the cause of compression in the region of the 

 oesophagus. 



Dilatation of the (Esophagus ; Ectasia and Diverticulum. 



This has been described liy a number of authors and is indicated by 

 great difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, etc. If the dilatation is in the 

 cervical region, along the line of the oesophagus, we find round elongated 

 lumps, varying in size, and by manipulation this collection of food can be 

 worked down into the stomach. The probang may be used to start it. 

 Great care, however, should be taken not to use too great force, as it will 

 only pack the food and fix it. The prognosis, as a rule, is unfavorable, 

 but if the animal is kept on liquid food exclusively, it will li-^e for a long 

 time. 



Paralysis of the CEsophagus. 



{Dysphagia Paralytica.) 



This is due to the paralysis of the nerves that supply the region of the 

 neck, seen particularly in conjunction with paralysis of the larynx. 

 It may occur as a result of certain brain diseases, from certain poisons, 

 from intestinal mycosis, and also as a symptom of rabies. It is recognized 

 by constant dribbling of saliva from the mouth. The animal may make 

 efforts to drink water, but while the movements of the muscles of the neck 

 would lead you to think the animal was doing so, on close observation of 



