124 , DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX 



Pathology. — (a) Acute pharyngitis is characterized by 

 redness and swelling of the mucous membrane which has a 

 glazed appearance due to the collection of mucus on the 

 surface. Later there is an abundant discharge of a thick 

 mucus or a mucopurulent exudate. Occasionally it may be 

 tinged with blood. In severe cases small erosions appear on 

 the posterior part of the pharynx. The lymph follicles are 

 enlarged and appear as small, round, elevated, reddish 

 nodules projecting through the membrane. 



(b) The discharge contains bacteria, leukocytes, blood 

 cells and desquamated and degenerated epithelium. 



Symptoms.— One of the first symptoms is difficulty in 

 swallowing food. Frequent attempts at swallowing with the 

 head extended are often noticed in the early stages. Later, 

 in the more severe cases, abundant salivation results from 

 increased secretion and inability to swallow, while retching 

 and sometimes vomiting will be seen in some cases from the 

 irritation. The head is usually held extended and palpation 

 of the pharynx produces pain. The submaxillary and retro- 

 pharyngeal lymph glands often become enlarged and may 

 produce abscesses. Occasionally in severe cases the salivary 

 glands become involved. On examination of the pharynx 

 the mucous membrane will be found reddened, congested, 

 and covered with mucus or mucopurulent exudate, depending 

 upon the stage of the development of the disease, and in 

 severe cases swelling and congestion of the adjacent tissues. 

 Cough is absent and only occurs when the inflammatory 

 process extends to the larynx. In all cases where infection 

 develops, the temperature is elevated (103°-105° P.). In 

 mild cases when the general symptoms are absent, the appe- 

 tite remains good although the animal takes food slowly and 

 with care. In severe cases there is a complete loss of appetite. 



Diagnosis.— The symptoms of acute pharyngitis are very 

 characteristic: The extended head, difficult swallowing and 

 salivation; while direct examination and the temperature 

 readily distinguish it from foreign bodies, tumors and par- 

 alysis of the pharynx. 



Prognosis.— In older animals it is favorable, recovery 

 occurring in one to two weeks. In young animals, when it 

 occurs as an enzootic, the mortality is high. 



