OBSTRUCTION OF THE G@SOPHAGUS. 83 
RANULA. 
Tumors of various kinds may be found in the mouths of dogs, but the com- 
monest are the so-called encysted tumors, containing a thick, glairy liquid. They 
may form on the inner surface of the lips, but usually exist in the lower part of 
the mouth, under the tongue, where they are called ranula. When not disturbed 
by treatment they may reach considerable size and displace the tongue. They 
then interfere with swallowing, and even respiration. Their contents change in 
time, and become thick and cheese-like, or quite hard and dense. 
If these cysts cannot be entirely extirpated, which is best always, at least 
their contents and as much of their walls as possible should be removed. An- 
other process of treatment which may prove effectual is to make in them large 
openings, evacute their contents, and then inject into the sacks the tincture of 
iodine or a strong solution of one of the caustics, and thus cause them to shrivel, 
and their walls to unite. 
OBSTRUCTION OF THE CiSOPHAGUS. 
The pharynx is the upper part of what is sometimes termed the “ swallowing 
throat,” or passage from the mouth to the stomach, while the other and lower 
‘part is the cesophagus. Together they constitute the so-called gullet. This tube 
or passage is sometimes narrowed by abscesses, enlarged glands, polypi, or other 
tumors pressing upon it; but in most instances in which it is obstructed it is by 
foreign bodies, and generally splinters of bones, fish-bones, or large pieces of 
meat, although attempts to swallow small stones, pieces of glass, and bits of wood 
are often made; while now and then corks, needles, buttons, and various other 
domestic articles find their way into the food when the same consists largely of 
waste and scraps from the table. 
When anything has stuck in the throat, as a rule, a sense of choking and fits 
of suffocative cough are produced ; -while if the substance is lodged lower down, 
the victim moves about restlessly, with his head and neck extended, and paws 
frequently at his neck over the place at which the trouble is located. Very gen- 
erally foreign bodies in the pharynx are rapidly coated with mucus, and either soon 
dislodged and expelled during fits of “ gagging” or vomiting, or they settle down 
a short distance into the cesophagus. The urgent signs of choking then subsides ; 
but the unfortunate is still very restless, and if the offending substance is large, 
he refuses to attempt to eat or drink. 
The lining of the throat is speedily inflamed by an obstructing body, and 
ulceration soon follows. Its removal is then more difficult; while in conse- 
