98 DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX 



occur in strangles, influenza, etc. Obviously the examiner 

 should be on the alert for foreign bodies and tiunors in the 

 pharynx which produce sjTtnptoms of dysphagia. 



Course. — The course is very varied. A simple catarrhal 

 pharyngitis in horses usually heals in three to fom* days. 

 In swine, however, the termination is often fatal. Suppura- 

 tive pharyngitis leading to secondary abscess and ulcers are 

 often quite obstinate and may continue until surgical inter- 

 ference provides drainage for the pus. Pharyngeal paralysis 

 and roaring are not uncommon sequels. Death may occiu- 

 from asphyxia, septic infection or intoxication or from 

 pulmonary gangrene. 



Treatment. — ^The patient should, if possible, be placed in 

 a warm, well ventilated stable free from dust and irritant' 

 gases. Only soft foods (gruels, bran mashes, grass) should 

 be fed. In swine milk may be given. In horses where 

 dysphagia is complete on account of the danger of even fluids 

 entering the lungs the patient should be made to fast for 

 two or three days or fed and watered through a stomach- 

 tube or through the rectum. Chlorate of potash (1 oz. to 

 2 gal. of water) is popularly used. For threatening dyspnea 

 tracheotomy should be employed. Subparotid abscesses 

 should be opened and drained. Local applications, hot 

 water (Priessnitz cataplasm) are helpful. Infrictions of 

 gray mercurial ointment are recommendable. Strong blister- 

 ing liniments, however, should be avoided. Local applica- 

 tions are too dangerous in the larger animals. Drench- 

 ing should be prohibited. When the patient is able to swal- 

 low, expectorants such as tartar emetic and ammonium 

 chlorid combined with powdered licorice root may be given 

 as an electuary. Symptoms of septicemia (high temperature, 

 rapid pulse, muddy mucous membranes, etc.), are best 

 combated with large doses of oil of camphor administered 

 subcutaneously. In swine when suffocation threatens, an 

 emetic should be given (white hellebore or ipecac, grains 

 xxv). 



PARALYSIS OF THE PHARYNX. 



Definition. — ^Any condition of the pharynx which interferes 

 with swallowing. 



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