128 DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX 



Symptoms.— Loss of appetite, dulness and general weakness 

 are the first symptoms observed. The plumage becomes 

 rough, the wings are pendant and the mouth held open. 

 The odor from the mouth is offensive. Examination of the 

 posterior part of the mouth and the pharynx reveals the 

 presence of the small white elevations. A microscopic exami- 

 nation of scrapings made from these white spots will confirm 

 the diagnosis by finding the infusoria. 



Prognosis.— It should be considered unfavorable especially 

 in very young birds. Death occurs in many cases from loss 

 of appetite and exhaustion. 



Treatment.— Where only a few cases are observed, they 

 should be separated at once from the healthy birds and the 

 runways and roosts thoroughly disinfected with lime, or 

 carbolic acid (5 per cent.). The mouth and pharynx should 

 be cleansed with a solution of boric acid (2 per cent.) or 

 creolin to destroy the infusoria. Remove the small elevations 

 with a blunt curette and apply to the surface chlorid of iron 

 (1-10) in water or a solution of tannic acid (5 per cent.) in 

 water, to arrest the hemorrhage and to produce antiseptic 

 action. 



NEOPLASMS OF THE PHARYNX. 



Polypoid Growths.— Polypoid growths (myxomas) are 

 found occasionally projecting from the pharyngeal mucous 

 membrane. They vary greatly in size from half an inch to 

 four inches in length. From severe or sudden exertion or 

 swallowing they are often forced into the esophageal opening, 

 interfering with the prehension of food and drink. 



Symptoms.— Sudden interference with deglutition; symp- 

 toms of suffocation; often rapid recovery; periodic recurrence 

 of the symptoms and direct examination of the pharynx will 

 reveal the presence of the polypoid growths. 



Treatment. — Surgical.— The mouth speculum should be 

 used, the tongue pulled well forward and a small wire ecraseur 

 used to remove the enlargement. It should be removed as 

 close to the base as possible. No after-treatment is necessary. 

 Recovery takes place promptly. 



