Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Abscesses of retropharyngeal nodes, abscessation of retropharyngeal lymph nodes

The disease in brief

This is a special case of the spread of pharyngitis leading to infection of the local lymph nodes and the formation of an abscess. It can result in particular from actinobacillosis, pharyngitis by a foreign body, drug addiction that injured the animal, etc. 

Clinic & diagnosis

Hypertrophy of the retropharyngeal or parotid lymph nodes associated with signs of acute pharyngitis (dysphagia, ptyalism due to painful swallowing, neck extension, breathing difficulties, etc.) are the basis of the diagnosis.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

- Acute pharyngitis (post-traumatic or other) RS19.1

- Foreign body in the esophagus N275

- RS19 necrotic laryngitis

-Croupal stomatitis DG12

Confirm a suspicion?

If the abscess is formed, confirmation is done by opening the abscess to allow drainage.

Prognosis and treatment

If one intervenes at the start of the infection, the treatment consists of the injection of potentiated sulfonamides or broad-spectrum antibiotics such as the combination Penicillin and Streptomycin. An anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids or NSAIDs) will usefully supplement the anti-infective if the inflammation and dyspnea are severe. If the abscess is at an advanced stage, containing purulent material noticeable on palpation, the opening of the abscess should be considered to facilitate its drainage.

Prevention

Avoid damaging feeds and limit drug addiction to a minimum for cattle whose containment is difficult. Treat actinobacillosis early and effectively.

References

Large animal internal Medecine-Field Guide. SMITH B.BP. Mosby ed p171