Tonsilitis in Pigs, and Other Animals 47 



In the chronic form there is general swelling of the tonsils 

 •with the over-distension of the follicles by the above mentioned 

 whitish putty-like masses, which are often even calcareous. 

 These are due to the proliferation of microbes which find in 

 these alveoli a most favorable field for their propagation. A 

 similar condition is found in the carnivora and to a less extent in 

 the horse, in keeping with the restricted development of the 

 amygdalae in these animals. It may be attended by ulceration, 

 or in rare cases by the formation of veritable calculi in the folli- 

 cles of the tonsils. 



The gravity of the disease is largely determined by the nature 

 of the infecting microbe and the debility and susceptibility of the 

 animal attacked. The affection usually ends in recovery, but 

 may go on to grave local ulceration, and general infection. 



Treatment consists largely in astringent and antiseptic applica- 

 tions to the buccal mucous membrane. In the acute forms fre- 

 quent smearing of the mouth with electuaries of honey or 

 molasses and borax, boric acid, salammoniac, chlorate or per- 

 manganate of potash, and the application of stimulating embro- 

 cations to the skin around the throat. In other cases solutions 

 of tincture of chloride of iron, or of tincture of iodine can be 

 used with profit. The iron can be swallowed with advantage, 

 but it is objectionable to pour liquid rapidly into the mouth of 

 the pig, because of the danger of its entering the lungs and set- 

 ting up fatal pneumonia. A better way is to apply it to the in- 

 terior of the mouth and fauces on a swab or sponge dipped in the 

 liquid. Short of this, one of these agents may be mixed with the 

 drinking water, or muriatic acid may be used in the same way, 

 though at some detriment to the teeth. The general health must 

 at all times be attended to. Any costiveness may be corrected 

 by Glauber salts or jalap, and elimination through the kidneys 

 must be sought through the use of nitrate of potash or other 

 diuretic. 



