27 



very much emaciated, the eyes are llollo^^' and lustreless, and death 

 soon occurs from inanition. 



Treatment is very unsatisfactory. Severe blisters should he applied 

 behind and under the jaw; the mouth is to be frequently swabbed 

 out with alum or chlorate of potash, 1 ounce to a pint of water, by 

 means of a sponge fastened to the end of a stick. Strychnia is the 

 best agent to be used to overcome this paralysis, and should be given 

 in 1-grain doses three or four times a day. If the services of a veter- 

 inarian can be obtained he should give this medicine by means of a 

 h3'i)odermic s\ringe, injecting it deeply into the pharynx. In my 

 experience the blister externally, the freciuent swabbing of the mouth, 

 as above described, and the use of a nerve stimulant are all that can 

 be done. This disease may be mistaken at times for foreign bodies in 

 the mouth or for the so-called cerebro-spinal meningitis. It is to be 

 distinguished from the former by a careful examination of the mouth, 

 the absence of any offending body, and by the flabby feel of the 

 mouth ; from the latter by the animal appearing in perfect health in 

 every i)articular except this inability to eat or drink. 



Abscesses sometimes form in the pharynx and give rise to symptoms 

 resembling those of laryngitis or distemper. Interference with breath- 

 ing, that is of recent origin, and i^rogression, without any observable 

 swelling or soreness about the throat, will make us suspect the for- 

 mation of an abscess in this location. But little can be done in the 

 waj^ of treatment, save to hurry the ripening of the abscess and its 

 discharge, by steaming with hops, hay, or similar substances. If 

 the abscess can be felt through the mouth it must be opened by the 

 attending veterinary surgeon. 



DISEASES OF THE CESOPHAGUS OR GULLET. 



It is rare to lind disease of this organ, except as a result of the in- 

 troduction of foreign bodies too large to pass, or the exhibition of 

 irritating medicines. Great care should be taken in the administra- 

 tion of irritant or caustic medicines that they be thoroughly diluted. 

 If this is not done erosions and ulcerations of the tljroat ensue, and 

 this again is prone to be followed 'by constriction — narrowing — of the 

 gullet. The mechanical trouble of choking is quite common. It fre- 

 quently occurs when the animal is suddenly startled while eating 

 apples or roots, and we should be careful never to suddenly approach 

 or put a dog after horses or cows that are feeding upon such sub- 

 stances. If left alone they \Qvy rarely attempt to swallow the object 

 until it is sufficiently masticated. 



Choking also arises from feeding oats in a deep, narrow manger to 

 such horses as eat very greedily, or bolt their food. Wheat chaff 

 is also a frequent source of choke. This accident may result from 

 the attempts to force eggs down without breaking or from gi-vdng balls 

 that are too large or not of the proper shape. 



