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corn cobs becoming lodged iu the mouth. If the cause is removed, as a 

 rule uo further attention is necessary. Astringent washes may be 

 applied to the mouth as a gargle or by means of a sponge. 



Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the 

 pharynx (back part of the mouth). Ic rarely exists unless accompanied 

 by stomatitis, glossitis, or laryngitis. In those instances where the in- 

 flammation is mostly confined to the pharynx we notice febrile symptoms- 

 difficulty of swallowing either liquids or solids ; there is but little cough 

 except when trying to swallow ; there is no soreness on pressure over 

 larynx (large ring of the windpipe). Increased flow of saliva, difficulty 

 of swallowing liquids in particular, and cough only when attempting 

 to swallow, are the symptoms best marked in pharyngitis. For treat- 

 ment, chlorate of potash iu half-ounce doses three or four times a day 

 is the best. This may be given suspended in warm water as a gargle, 

 or may be mixed with licorice-root i^owder and honey and given 

 with a strong spoon or wooden paddle. Borax or alum water may be 

 substituted for chlorate of potash in the same-sized doses. Soft food 

 should be given, but I have seen some cases where the animal would 

 eat corn from the cob better than anything else. 



Paralysis of the pharynx, or, as it is commonly called, "paralysis of 

 the throat," is one of the most stubborn diseases of the horse that we are 

 ever called to treat. A horse is suddenly noticed to be unable to eat, 

 and his manger is found to contain much saliva and frothy food that 

 has been returned through his nose. The symptoms which enable us to 

 tell that paralysis of the pharynx exists are as follows : The owner says 

 he has a horse that " can't eat." That is all he knows. We find the 

 animal with a somewhat anxious countenance; manger, as above de- 

 scribed ; pulse, respiration, and temperature, at first, about the same 

 as in health ; the horse will constantly try to eat or drink, but is un- 

 able to do so ; if water be offered him from a pail he will apparently drink 

 with avidity, but, if we notice, the quantity of water in the pail remains 

 about the same ; he will continue trying to drink by the hour; if he can 

 succeed in getting any fluid in to the back part of the mouth it comes 

 out at once through the nose. Foods also return through the nose, or 

 are dropped from the mouth, quidded. An examination of the mouth 

 by inserting the hand fails to find any obstruction or any abnormal 

 condition, except, perhaps, that the parts are too flabby to the touch. 

 These cases go on from bad to worse; the horse constantly and rapidly 

 loses in condition, becomes very much emaciated, the eyes are hollow 

 and lustreless, and death soon occurs from inanition. 



Treatment is very unsatisfactory. Severe blisters should be 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 veterinarian can 



