PHARYNGITIS 97 



usually leads to abscess formation about the pharynx, (c) 

 Croupous, a pseudomembrane appearing over the mucous 

 membrane, (d) Diphtheritic, a necrosis of the mucous 

 membrane associated with which is phlegmon and swelling 

 of the lymph glands. Diphtheritic pharyngitis commonly 

 is associated with foreign body pneumonia and general 

 septicemia. 



Symptoms. — ^The most conspicuous symptom of pharyn- 

 gitis is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). In the horse 

 this is expressed by regurgitation through the nostrils of 

 fluids (drinking water) and food. In swine the patient holds 

 the head and neck stiffly, is restless and often squeals when 

 it attempts to swallow. In acute pharyngitis the solid food 

 may be ejected from the mouth after being partially chewed. 

 As saliva is swallowed only in part, slobbering is a common 

 symptom. The patients usually hold the head extended, 

 nose poked out and are disinclined to flex the head upon 

 the neck. Palpation over the region of the pharynx shows 

 the parts to be hot and tender. There is usually bilateral 

 nasal discharge mixed with saliva and food particles. The 

 patient usually coughs especially when the upper trachea is 

 pinched (larynx involved). In severe cases (phlegmon, 

 abscess, diphtheritis) there may be pronounced dyspnea 

 (edema of glottis), rattling sounds in the throat and marked 

 swelling of the parotid region. If embolic or foreign 

 body pneumonia is present, the expiriimi becomes fetid, 

 there is dulness on percussion over the thorax and rales and 

 bronchial tones on auscultation. Fever is present in most 

 cases, especially in those arising from infection, the tempera- 

 ture reaching 104° F. Pharyngitis due to traumatism or 

 chemical action is only associated with fever when secondary 

 infection takes place. If the appetite is impaired, the patient 

 loses flesh during the attack. 



. Diagnosis. — ^The diagnosis of pharyngitis is usually not 

 difficult especially in .animals where an ocular examination 

 of the throat is possible. In horses, however, where this is 

 not permissible it is more difficult. To determine whether 

 the condition is primary or secondary one must pay especial 

 attention to the other symptoms present, such as would 

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