CHAP. I. INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE. 551 



peculiar fungoid disease of the mouth termed " actinomycosis," chronic 

 inflammation of the tongue is rarely absent. 



Symptoms. In acute glossitis there is more or less discharge of 

 ropy saliva from the mouth. The tongue is red and swollen, and 

 often protrudes, when it soon becomes of a dark red or reddish blue 

 appearance. 



Embarrassment of respiration may result from extension of the 

 swelling towards the throat. At this time the head is extended and 

 the mouth widely opened. Should the disease persist the organ 

 becomes black and cold, and covered with vesicles or blebs. When 

 the malady assumes a chronic form as in " actinomycosis," it is slow 

 in its progress, and the tongue undergoes gradual enlargement. The 

 surface is studded over with small pimples which develop into 

 abscesses, and these into spreading ulcers. 



Treatment. As soon as the disease appears a bold dose of aperient 

 medicine should be administered comprising sixteen to twenty ounces 

 of sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), with two ounces of powdered 

 aniseed. Should free action of the bowels not be induced in 12 hours 

 a further dose of eight ounces may be given. The tongue will be 

 relieved by puncturing it at several points with a sharp clean lancet 

 and afterwards fomenting it with warm water, or inserting the face in 

 a nose bag containing hot bran. Animals in good condition should 

 be slaughtered if no improvement results within twenty-four hours 

 after the prescribed treatment. 



CHOKING is a common accident among cattle, and especially during 

 the period when they are in the yard or the stall. It is almost 

 invariably the result of an impaction of the oesophagus or gullet with 

 food, and especially with portions of turnip or mangel. Sometimes 

 thorns, nails, pieces of stick, and other foreign substances become fixed 

 in the upper part of the throat and interfere with swallowing. 



Occasionally the passage of food is interrupted by wart-like growths 

 extending into the gullet. Now and again the same result follows the 

 sudden and spasmodic contraction of the tube, or stricture of the 

 lining membrane. 



Symptoms. The symptoms of choking are usually very conspicuous. 

 They vary somewhat, depending upon the position of the impaction. 

 For the most part they comprise frequent attempts to swallow, 

 protrusion of the muzzle, occasional coughing, suspension of the cud, 

 and a discharge of saliva from the mouth. After a time the body 

 becomes enlarged owing to distension of the stomach with gas, and 

 hence arises difficulty of respiration from encroachment of the stomach 

 on the chest. 



The seat of the choke may frequently be determined by an examina- 

 tion of the throat and of the course of the neck. The former is effected 

 by passing the hand into the mouth, and carrying it beyond the root 

 of the tongue. The latter may be done by manipulating the left side of 

 the neck, when the impaction will be recognised as an enlargement in 

 the tract of the gullet. Where the stoppage is situated in the chest it 



