Pharyngeal trauma in cattle

Four cases of pharyngeal trauma in cattle due to improper administration of oral medications are discussed. These cases presented for suspected gastro-intestinal disorders and anorexia. Physical findings included copious drooling of saliva, pharyngeal pain, extended head and neck, forestomach stasis, fever, dysphagia, and pneumonia. Diagnosis was made by manual examination of the oral cavity or endoscopy. Ancillary diagnostic aids included clinical pathology and radiography. Hemograms were consistent with infection, serum electrolytes were normal. Radiographs in 3 of 4 did reveal significant evidence of retropharyngeal cellulitis. The signs of dysphagia and forestomach dysfunction were explained by either a pain induced inhibition of swallowing and eructation or direct involvement of the vagus nerve itself in the retropharyngeal region. An additional consequence of laryngeal motor dysfunction was aspiration pneumonia. Response to treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, analgesics and symptomatic supportive care over a 7 to 14 day period was good.