20 
PARALYSIS OF THE TONGUE. 
attached to the free uplifted end. After a short time, however, the water was 
returned, part being lost through the mouth and part passing down the 
trachea, causing the animal to cough. 
Diagnosis. Paralysis of the soft palate, point of the tongue, pharynx and 
oesophagus. 
The dog was removed by the owner without undergoing treatment. 
Jurgens thinks that numbers of the observations published in vete¬ 
rinary literature as glossoplegia really relate to inflammatory affections; 
but paralysis of the tongue may certainly result from acute inflammation 
of that organ. 
The symptoms of one-sided paralysis are displacement of the tongue 
and difficulty in mastication and deglutition. In double-sided paralysis 
both acts become nearly impossible, particularly the latter. The tongue 
generally hangs from the mouth. In protracted cases the muscles 
atrophy, though, of course, in single-sided paralysis only those of the 
paralysed side suffer. 
The disease must not be confounded with the so-called “ protrusion,” 
where the tongue is voluntarily lolled out of the mouth. Paralysis is 
shown by distortion and inability to retract the tongue. 
Prognosis is generally unfavourable in double-sided paralysis. The 
animals cannot be fattened, and therefore, if the case is persistent, 
it is better to slaughter. Monoplegia is of little consequence, as the 
animals can still feed well. 
Treatment can do little. Should the disease be caused by external 
injuries) these must be dealt with on general principles, otherwise 
one can only await developments or slaughter. In fat animals the 
latter course is preferable, as condition is rapidly lost. 
(E) RANULA. 
Eanula is commonest in dogs and cattle. Under the point of the 
tongue on the frsenum linguae, a long roundish swelling develops, 
which may attain the size of a pigeon’s, or even of a hen’s egg. It 
is greyish-yellow, soft, and not inflamed. When opened, a yellow, 
thick fluid escapes, and the walls collapse. The swelling, if of any 
considerable size, interferes with feeding, and produces salivation. In 
man the voice at times assumes a harsh, croaking tone, hence the 
German name “ Eroschgeschwulst ” (Frog swelling). The pathological 
cause has not yet been determined even in man. It was thought to 
be due to occlusion of Wharton’s duct, but this is generally found 
to be clear. More recently it has been regarded as stoppage of a 
mucous duct (retention tumour). The condition in the dog is no better 
understood. One should beware of regarding every swelling or tumour 
on or near the fraenum linguae as ranula, only the true cyst deserving 
