2G1 
EXTIRPATION OF A CARCINOMATOUS SUB¬ 
MAXILLARY GLAND. 
By Thomas J. Merrick, M.R.C.Y.S., Northampton. 
Sir,—I HAVE this day sent you, per passenger’s train, in a 
bottle of Goadby’s solution, a carcinomatous submaxillary sali¬ 
vary gland, of which the following is the history, which, if deemed 
by you of interest, is at your service. 
The subject of the diseased production is a brown draught 
horse, standing nearly seventeen hands high, ten years old, the 
property of Messrs. J. Perry and Son, millers and corn dealers, 
of this town, in whose possession he has been for three years. 
I am informed that for the last twelve months he has been 
under treatment for what was considered by his attendant to be 
a false description of strangles, but which never satisfactorily 
healed. 
My attention was directed to the case on the fifth of March 
last, in consequence of a discharge of matter shewing itself at 
the upper and posterior part of the maxillary space. My first 
impression was that an abscess had previously existed, which 
had too speedily healed over. I therefore freely dilated a small 
sinuous opening which presented itself, and had poultices ap¬ 
plied; but, on the 10th, after minutely examining the parts, I 
detected a slight separation in the skin, extending from the 
original opening down the submaxillary space, on the off side to 
the angle of the jaw, at the place where the parotid duct, 
artery, and vein pass round it. I extended the separation al¬ 
luded to, and exposed the termination of the diseased gland ; on 
cutting into which its true nature occurred to me; and I imme¬ 
diately determined (if possible) on its entire extirpation. This 
I succeeded in effecting after a tedious dissection, fortunately 
without injury either to the parotid duct, or to other important 
vessels of that part. The wound has continued to heal most 
favourably, and a small cicatrix is now the only evidence of the 
existence of any previous disease. 
The horse, since its removal, has improved in condition 
rapidly, and is now apparently in perfect health. 
I remain, Sir. 
Your obedient servant. 
W. Percivall, Esq. 
April 12th, 1852. 
*** The preparation—for which we thank Mr. Merrick—has 
come safe to hand. The operation reflects no less credit on the 
skill, than the case does altogether on the judgment, of the ope¬ 
rator.— Ed. Vet. 
vol. xxv. 
N n 
