340 DISEASES OF THE THYROID GLANDS 



Medical.— Medical treatment in the form of potassium 

 iodid (0.03-0.06) is of value to assist in replacing the loss 

 in the normal secretion of the gland, especially when both 

 glands are extensively involved. Thyroid extract in 0.15 

 doses daily can also be used. 



Surgical.— This consists in either aspirating the serous 

 fluid from the cystic follicles and injecting a small amount 

 of Lugol's solution to stop further filling up, or opening the 

 cysts and packing the cavity temporarily with iodin gauze. 

 After-treatment consists in the use of antiseptics. The wound 

 will heal leaving but slight enlargement. 



Fibrous Goiter.— Definition.— An enlargement usually of 

 one of the thyroid glands (rarely both) characterized by a 

 hypertrophy of the stroma and an atrophy of the glandular 

 tissue. It is most frequent in old animals. This form of 

 goiter results in most cases from injuries, acute and chronic 

 inflammation, and in a few cases no doubt from some of the 

 other forms of goiter. The interstitial tissue is gradually 

 increased exerting abnormal pressure on the gland substance, 

 which leads to pressure atrophy. 



Symptoms.— The presence of the enlargement confined in 

 most cases to one gland. Occasionally both glands will be 

 found affected. The size of the enlargement varies greatly 

 from very slight to extreme thickening of the entire intersti- 

 tial tissue. No general symptoms are observed in the major- 

 ity of case's as it is confined to one gland and of long standing. 

 When both glands are extensively involved, interfering with 

 the function of the glands, emaciation, weakness and general 

 cachexia may be prominent symptoms. Respiratory and 

 other disturbances are only observed when the enlargement 

 presses on the trachea or nerves. 



On palpation of the gland it will be found exceedingly 

 firm, resistant, smooth in outline, non-inflammatory, and 

 non-sensitive. The isthmus of the gland is easily determined. 



Diagnosis.— This should not be difficult as the outline of 

 the enlargement and the hard, firm consistency, with the 

 other symptoms, are characteristic of fibrous goiter. 



Prognosis.— Favorable. Many cases, when not exceed- 

 ingly large, are not treated as they cause but little incon- 



