Tonsillitis

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                      General Information



The tonsils are a pair of small, elongated masses of tissue

located in the back of the throat.  Their function is to destroy

microorganisms entering the nose and throat.  Tonsillitis is

inflammation of the tonsils.



Tonsillitis usually occurs in young pets and may recur several

times during the early years of life.  With maturity, animals

usually develop resistance to the disease.  Medical treatment

usually cures the condition;  however, the tonsils may need to

be removed if infection recurs.



Tonsillitis can be contagious to other pets and occasionally even

to people.



Pets with tonsillitis may have fever, eat poorly, swallow with

difficulty and retch up white, frothy mucus.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  The purpose of treatment for tonsillitis is to eliminate the

    infection, reduce pain and fever, and encourage the pet to

    resume normal eating. 



2.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____A special diet is necessary.  Feed as follows: 





3.  Management:  Do not allow your pet to become wet, chilled or

    overheated.  Limit activity to on-leash walking during

    recovery.



4.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you are

    unable to give the medication.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet does not improve after a few days' treatment.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat.



    * Your pet has a heavy discharge from the eyes or nose.



    * Your pet is listless or depressed.



    * Your pet has a persistent cough.