Fig. 271.—Actinomycosis of the tongue.
The tongue is enlarged and indurated, and fills the entire cavity of the mouth. Sometimes it projects beyond the incisors, excoriated and bleeding. On passing the hand into the mouth it is found that the surface is covered with little yellowish or red ulcerated nodules, varying in size from that of a large pin’s head to that of a lentil.
In eating, the animals seize food between the lips and lift the head high, so as to allow the food to fall between the rows of molars. The motion is very similar to that of a fowl drinking.
ACTINOMYCOSIS OF THE PHARYNX, PAROTID GLANDS AND NECK.
Actinomycosis may sometimes leave the mouth and tongue unaffected and attack the pharynx, from which it extends in the direction of the parotid glands and external surface of the neck. In these cases, however, the inoculations are more localised than when the surface of the tongue is attacked, and the lesions consist of vegetations, polypi, or actinomycomata.
The growths develop on the posterior pillars of the fauces, on the sides of the pharynx, or near the entrance to the œsophagus. They interfere with swallowing, and produce symptoms which are easy to detect and interpret.
The lesions may also affect deeper seated tissues and produce growths in the parotid or subparotid region, or lead to the development of fistulæ in the region of the neck. Most fistulæ, however, in this region are due to specific inoculation of external injuries. Fistulæ originating in the parotid region and in the upper part of the neck usually resemble in appearance the maxillary fistulæ. The external fungoid growth, however, is less exuberant, suppuration is less abundant, and the surrounding induration less extensive.
Various localisations. Although the disease generally attacks the mouth, tongue or pharynx, it may invade the œsophagus, rumen, reticulum, liver and intestine, larynx, trachea, lung, peritoneum, epiploon, and even the udder.
Fig. 272.—Actinomycosis of mammary gland (cow).