PHARYNGEAL PARALYSIS 31 



SENILE PHARYNGEAL PARALYSIS 



A paralysis affecting the apparatus concerned in deg- 

 lutition is occasionally seen in horses as a disease of old 

 age. This paralysis is not one that makes its appearance 

 very precipitately, but its appearance usually means the 

 end of usefulness in the animal. Recovery is very rare. 



The first evidence of the approach of a senile paralysis 

 of the pharynx is seen in "quidding"; the attendant now 

 and then discovers a few "quids" or boluses of masti- 

 cated hay in the animal's manger. The usual effect of 

 this discovery is a visit to the veterinarian for the pur- 

 pose of having the animal's teeth examined. The teeth 

 are given whatever treatment the attending veterinarian 

 may choose, but the animal persists in ' ' quidding. ' ' The 

 condition slowly grows worse. Soon the animal gets poor 

 in flesh, salivation is marked, and a slight nasal discharge 

 is seen. Still later the horse finds it a difficult matter to 

 swallow enough feed to sustain life ; even water is imbibed 

 with difficulty. In some cases esophageal spasm, result- 

 ing in choke, is repeatedly present. All cases have a 

 cough. 



From the outset of the first symptoms to the end in 

 death from inanition, from four or five months to two 

 years may elapse. A few cases improve spontaneously, 

 and occasionally recovery follows proper treatment. 



Strychnin in small doses repeated several times daily 

 for a few weeks is useful. Fowler's solution of arsenic 

 repeated in small doses is followed by improvement in 

 some cases. 



Cases which resist either of these agents may improve 

 rapidly under a course of potassium iodid. Local treat- 

 ment, such as light blisters, iodin paintings and massage, 

 are of use in some instances. Other eases resist all efforts 

 toward improvement or cure. 



