126 DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX 



Tannic acid and glycerin (1-30) may also be used. Chlorid 

 of iron (1-10) in water is of value owing to its astringent and 

 antiseptic qualities. The application of the preparations 

 should be made daily until the symptoms subside. 



FOREIGN BODIES IN THE PHARYNX. 



Foreign bodies may find lodgment in the mouth or in the 

 pharynx. When dogs are ravenously hungry large particles 

 of food or food containing foreign bodies are swallowed which 

 may lodge in the pharynx, producing choking. The condi- 

 tion often terminates fatally in a short time. Cats when fed 

 on fish are liable to have fish bones lodge in the pharynx. 

 These bones frequently penetrate the mucosa, producing an 

 edema of the pharynx and larynx, resulting in death from 

 asphyxia. Birds, when eating large seeds (sunflower seeds, 

 corn, etc.) often have them lodge in the pharynx, producing 

 serious symptoms. Various kinds of foreign bodies have 

 been found in the pharynx, the most common being needles, 

 pins, bones, hard food masses, meat skewers, cartilage, etc. 



Symptoms.— The symptoms vary somewhat according to 

 the size and character of the foreign body. Dribbling of 

 saliva from the corners of the mouth; frequent attempts at 

 swallowing; clawing at the mouth with the forefeet, and 

 sometimes retching and vomiting. When the foreign bodies 

 are large they often interfere with the respirations. 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis is made by direct examination 

 of the pharynx (see examination of the pharynx), the sudden 

 , development and the characteristic symptoms. 



Prognosis.— Depends upon the size and character of the 

 foreign body. Where the foreign bodies are small and the 

 animal can be treated at once, the prognosis is favorable. In 

 other cases where edema occurs or where the foreign body is 

 quite large, death may terminate before assistance can be 

 given. 



Treatment. — Surgical— A mouth speculum is used to keep 

 the mouth open and the foreign body often can be easily 

 removed with a long curved throat forceps. Holding the 

 tongue well forward will materially assist in locating accu- 



