92 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
gut or other material, The natural opening of the gland into the 
mouth should be kept open, and thorough cleanliness of the mouth will 
assist in keeping it so. Mastication tends to retard the cure. 
PROTRUSION OF THE TONGUE. 
Hanging or protrusion of the tongue is an indication of paralysis, 
wounds or injuries to the tongue, or weakness and lengthening of the mus- 
cles which control it. Paralysis of the lips sometimes attends it, the lip 
then hanging down, with slobbering and difficulty in picking up food. 
TREATMENT.—Many times a faulty bit is the cause, and a change in 
it will relieve the trouble. When paralysis is the occasion of the disorder, 
the best results will be obtained by giving strychnia, one-hundredth of a 
grain three times a day. Plumbum will help some cases. Electricity ap- 
plied to the nerves may stimulate them to action and thus afford relief. A 
piece of the tongue is often cut off to prevent injury, but that is seldom 
necessary if the treatment here noted be observed with precision. 
STRICTURE OR CONTRACTION OF THE GULLET. 
This may be caused by the lodging of some food in the neck, or may 
occur near the stomach when only the introduction of a suitable instrument 
into the gullet, through the mouth, can afford relief. It is caused by a 
mechanical or chemical injury, by thickening of an inflamed mucous 
membrane, and by cancer. 
Symptoms.—Difficulty in swallowing, with expulsion of food from the 
nostrils; quidding of hay and throwing it from the mouth; sharp appetite, 
with inability to gratify it; loss of spirits and condition, 
TREATMENT.—Prepare three probangs, long, smooth and slender, of 
different sizes, made of gutta-percha, with an ivory knob on the end to pre- 
vent injury to the membrane. Oil these well and use them every day, apply- 
ing the first (about the size of the little finger) until it passes down freely; 
then the second (s:ightly larger), until its passage is easy, when the third size 
may be used. It is a delicate operation and can. safely be performed only 
with the closest care. Give soft, nutritious food, but no dry hay or grain. 
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