Diseases of the Mouth and Tongue. $7 



The diet is best composed of slops, and these should be 

 placed within reach of the animal, so that he may lap when- 

 ever inclination prompts him. 



PHARYNGITIS. 



Inflammation of the pharynx, unassociated with other 

 disease, is of rare occurrence in the dog. It is usually 

 due to an immediate exciting cause — as the lodgment 

 of some foreign body, or contact of acrid and irritating sub- 

 stances. 



Symptoms. — A dry, irritable cough, such as would lead 

 one to suppose an effort was being made to dislodge some 

 irritant matter. The membrane has a congested and 

 swollen appearance ; there is considerable difficulty in 

 deglutition, and the act, or attempt to perform it is followed 

 with retching. The throat is sensitive to external pressure, 

 and cough is easily excited by it. 



If the disease proceeds, a purulent discharge takes place 

 from the nostrils, the salivary secretion is increased, and 

 considerable constitutional disturbance follows. 



Pharyngitis may terminate in resolution, ulceration, and 

 abscess, or pharyngeal stricture. 



Treatment. — In the first place, it is necessary to ascertain 

 the cause. If it arises from the presence of a foreign body, 

 its removal at once is indicated ; and the same will apply 

 to the contact of acrid or irritating substances. External 

 fomentations with warm water, or the application of linseed 

 poultices, and the exhibition of bland, warm drinks, should 

 form the after treatment. 



If the inflammatory action has a tendency to become 

 chronic, a weak solution of nitrate of silver is the best local 

 application, particularly if there is ulceration ; and tonics, 

 particularly iron and quinine, are the most suitable medi- 

 cinal agents. 



Pharyngeal abscess is generally denoted by a fluctuating 



