Some veterinary writers describe this disease as "a watery tumor,
growing at the root of the tongue, and threatening suffocation. The
first symptoms are foaming at the mouth, gaping, and lolling out of the
tongue."
The disease first originates in the mucous surfaces, which enter into
the mouth, throat, and stomach. It partakes somewhat of the character of
thrush, and requires nearly the same treatment.
Make an infusion of raspberry leaves, to which add a small quantity of
borax or alum. Wash the mouth and tongue with the same by means of a
sponge. If there are any large pustules, open them with the point of a
penknife. After cleansing them, sprinkle with powdered bayberry bark, or
bloodroot. Rid the system of morbid matter by injection and physic,
(which see, in APPENDIX.) The following antiseptic drink will
then complete the cure:--
Make a tea of raspberry leaves by steeping two ounces in a quart of
boiling water; when cool, strain; then add
Powdered charcoal, 2 ounces.
" bayberry bark, 1 ounce.
Honey, 2 table-spoonfuls.
Give a pint every four hours.
The diet should consist of scalded meal, boiled turnips, carrots, &c.,
to which a small portion of salt may be added. If the glands under the
ears and around the throat are sympathetically affected, and swollen,
they must be rubbed twice a day with the stimulating liniment. (See
APPENDIX.)
The disease is supposed, by some veterinarians, to originate in the
tongue, but post mortem examinations lead us to determine otherwise. Mr.
Youatt informs us that "post mortem examination shows intense
inflammation, or even gangrene, of the tongue, oesophagus, paunch, and
fourth stomach. The food in the paunch has a most offensive smell, and
that in the manyplus is hard and dry. Inflammation reaches to the small
intestines, which are covered with red and black patches in the
coecum, colon, and rectum."