90 DISEASES OF THE PHARYNX 



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 par- 

 ticles. The patient usually coughs, especially when the 

 upper trachea is pinched (larynx involved). In severe 

 cases (phlegmon, abscess, diphtheritis) there may be pro- 

 nounced dyspnea (edema of glottis), rattling sounds in the 

 throat and marked swelling of the subparatoid region. If 

 embolic or foreign body pneumonia is present, the expira- 

 tion 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 temperature 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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