PARALYSIS OF THE PHARYNX 91 



occur in strangles, influenza, etc. Obviously the examiner 

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

 pharynx which produce symptoms of dysphagia. 



Course—The course is very varied. A simple catarrhal 

 pharyngitis in horses usually heals in three or four 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 sequelse. Death may occur 

 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 gals, of water) is popularly used. For threatening dyspnea 

 tracheotomy should be employed. Subparotid abscesses 

 should be opened arid drained. Local applications, hot 

 water (Priessnitz cataplasm) are helpful. Infrictions of 

 gray mercurial ointment are recommendable. Strong 

 blistering liniments, however, should be avoided. Local 

 applications are too dangerous in the larger animals. Drench- 

 ing should be prohibited. When the patient is able to swallow, 

 expectorants such as tartar emetic and ammonium cblorid 

 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 xxy). 



PARALYSIS OF THE PHARYNX. 



, Definition. — Any condition of the pharynx which interferes 

 with swallowing. 



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