DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 173 



Give the prognosis. 



The prognosis is not, as a rule, grave, though the animal may 

 die from starvation, paralysis, or oedema of the glottis. 



What is the treatment? 



Blisters over the region of the parotid glands and the pharynx, 

 the use of gargles, or spraying or swabbing out the throat with a 

 solution of nitrate of silver or peroxide of hydrogen, or anodyne 

 or astringent electuaries may be used. 



As a rule, we cannot give solid medicines in these cases, on 

 account of the inability to swallow, and for the same reason never 

 give drenches. 



If we could get at the pharynx, as they do in the human 

 subject, we might do better with these cases. 



Chlorate of potassium in the drinking-water will be of great 

 service; even though little is swallowed the animal attempts to do 

 so, and this cooling solution is brought into direct contact with 

 the inflamed surface. 



It is well to isolate the animals; use separate pail to water them, 

 and clean and disinfect the manger. 



Enemas may be beneficial to unload the bowels. 



PAEALYSIS OF THE PHABYNX. 



Give the definition. 



This is an absence of power of the muscles of the pharynx, char- 

 acterized by a total loss of the power of deglutition. 



What are the causes ? 



It is often difficult or impossible to attribute any cause. It may 

 follow pharyngitis; it is present in cerebro-spinal meningitis. 



Give the symptoms. 



Inability to swallow food or drink. Saliva and food flowing 

 from the nostrils and mouth. 



Palpation yields a baggy condition of the fauces; when the 

 parts are touched there is no contraction, the reflex action having 

 disappeared. 



What is the prognosis? 



Grave, these cases dying in four to six days from heart ex- 

 haustion or starvation. 



