THE .DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 13 



Stomatitis 



Catarrhal inflammation of the buccal mucous mem- 

 brane is relatively common and may be local or general, 

 acute or chronic. Acute catarrhal stomatitis is usually 

 caused by the ingestion of improper food, although it 

 may be associated with some general infective disease or 

 be the result of injury. The practice of catching swine 

 by means of a rope or wire over the upper jaw is very 

 likely to produce injury to the buccal mucous membrane. 

 The affected mucous membrane is in the beginning 

 tumefied and increased in redness, and later the surface 

 becomes coated by the accumulation of desquamated 

 epithelium and mucous. Gradually this surface coating 

 loosens and sloughs as the inflammation diminishes in 

 intensity. The affected animals refuse to eat, or eat 

 sparingly, and usually select soft foods. Although they 

 may attempt to chew hard substances, as a rule they 

 drop them quickly to the ground. Salivation is always 

 present, and in extreme cases an offensive odor may be 

 detected. 



The treatment consists of cleansing the affected parts 

 with antiseptics and applying an astringent, such as 

 myrrh. The affected animals should be given soft 

 foods, and a good supply of clean, cool water. 



Chronic catarrhal stomatitis is caused by the continuous 

 or prolonged action of some relatively mild irritant. 

 This condition is associated with fibrous proliferation 

 in the submucosa which in the early stages of the disease 

 results in tumefaction of the mucosa. Later the newly 

 formed fibrous tissue contracts, producing an irregular 

 surface. There is also a gradual atrophy of the mucosa 

 and occasionally the cicatrized fibrous tissue obstructs 

 mucous gland ducts, thereby causing small retention 

 cysts. 



Chronic catarrhal stomatitis is manifested by con- 

 tinuous limited salivation and champing of the jaws. 

 The treatment depends largely upon the progress of the 

 disease. In all cases the cause should be determined 



