14 
CONSULTATIONS. 
but suffered the disease to pursue its ravages; and she lived from 
the time that 1 was first desired to attend on her — the 17th of 
March — to the 12th of June. During this period she was supported 
by soft food. 
The following was the result of the inspection of her after death. 
The parotid gland on the left side was enlarged to the size of a calf’s 
head, and much indurated. There was a tumour near to the root 
of the left ear, of the size of a child’s head, in the interior of which 
was a cavity filled with maggots. At the posterior end of the 
lower jaw there was another large tumour, filled with foetid pus. 
On laying the mouth open, by cutting away the lower jaw, we 
found that the large tumour in the cheek opened into the mouth. 
The orifice was large, and the saliva could flow through it. The 
tumour consisted of a mass of fungous flesh, which extended half 
way across the roof of the mouth, and down to the first of the 
upper teeth, notwithstanding which the animal could take its food, 
for the rumen was nearly filled when we examined it. The left 
upper jaw was decayed away and absorbed — the tongue and lower 
jaw were sound, as was likewise the throat and all the viscera, except 
the right lobe of the lungs, which was filled with miliary tubercles. 
To Professor Dick, Edinburgh. 
ANSWER. 
My dear Sir, — The case which you describe is not uncommon 
in cattle, and is well known to surgeons as attacking the maxillary 
bones in the human being. It is denominated Osteo- Sarcoma of 
the maxillary bones. 
The remote cause seems to be a scrofulous diathesis, and the 
exciting cause is most commonly disease of the molar teeth, or some 
accidental injury. 
It is most frequent in cattle, but I have seen it in the horse : 
sheep are also liable to it. 
In the human being it has been found that the only certain 
remedy is the removal of the diseased portion; but I am afraid that 
this operation cannot be adopted with much chance of ultimate 
success on our patients. 
In the early stages of the disease, the teeth which are connected 
with it should be abstracted. If an abscess has formed, it should 
be freely opened, and cleaned out with diluted muriatic acid. The 
acid may be freely applied to the fungus, or nitric acid may be used 
for the mouth. I have several specimens of this disease, but the 
appearances are variable after death, and I should be thankful for 
any preparation of it. 
I am, my dear Sir, your’s faithfully, 
W. Dick. 
