CHAPTER XVIII. 

 CONTAGIOUS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 



488. Contagious and infectious diseases are diseases capable 

 of being transmitted from one animal to another. They are caused 

 by germs, fungi, and low forms of animal life. 



Animals affected, or suspected of being affected, with a contagious 

 disease should be isolated at once in a well- ventilated place and all 

 places to which they have had access thoroughly disinfected. Par- 

 ticular attention should be given to all drinking and feeding utensils, 

 especially those which are to be used by other animals. A vet- 

 erinarian should be notified at once in all cases where such a disease 

 is suspected. 



489. Contagious stomatitis (figs. 50, 51). A mild contagious 

 inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, involving 

 sometimes the mucous membrane of the nose arid the skin of the 

 lips. 



Cause. The cause is unknown. The disease is spread by the 

 saliva of the sick which contaminates the 'food and water of other 

 animals. It is also spread by the hands of attendants, grooming 

 utensils, etc. 



Symptoms. The animal takes its food slowly and chews with 

 great care, and there is always more or less slobbering, the saliva 

 hanging from the mouth in long threads. The animal holds the 

 mouth shut. If opened, a quantity of saliva spills out. The 

 mucous membrane of the mouth is reddened, and the lips and 

 cheeks are often swollen and tender. On the mucous membrane 

 of the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and beneath the tongue 

 appear hard, red elevations about the size of a pea, from which, 

 in a few days, little blisters are formed. Sometimes small abscesses 

 are formed, which break and leave behind small round ulcers. 

 These ulcers and blisters usually heal in five or six days, leaving 

 behind a white scar. The lump is usually slightly elevated. 



The disease usually ends in recovery in about two weeks. 



Treatment. Feed soft food and allow plenty of fresh drinking 

 water. Wash out the mouth three times a day^ with creolin 4 drams, 

 water 1 pint; or, potassium permanganate 30 grains to 1 quart of water. 



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