INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH 249 



cation to lip wounds. It should be applied by means of a camel-hair brush 

 morning and evening. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH (Stomatitis) 



Inflammation of the mouth presents itself in a variety of forms, some- 

 times resulting in an eruption of white raised spots on the tongue, gums, 

 and other parts of the cavity. In this form it is commonly spoken of 

 as aphthae or thrush. Another and altogether distinct variety of the 

 disease is marked by a more intense and deep-seated inflammation, which 

 soon causes death of the part attacked and ends in sloughing and deep- 

 seated ulceration. 



Simple stomatitis may be the result of a disordered stomach, or arise 

 out of the administration of medicines insufficiently diluted, or the mistaken 

 administration of liniments or embrocations for draughts. It results occa- 

 sionally from the stings of wasps, as also from the irritating influence of 

 acrid plants. In young animals it arises in the course of natural changes 

 going on in the teeth, and in old ones from mechanical irritation and 

 laceration (wounding) which the sharp and irregular edges of their teeth 

 inflict on the tongue and cheeks in the act of feeding, and while the 

 animal is being driven with the bit tightly drawn up in the mouth. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms exhibited in this form of the disease are 

 very characteristic. The mouth is filled with a thick ropy saliva and emits 

 a disagreeable odour. The membrane lining it is red, hot, tender, and 

 swollen, and in some cases the epithelium (outer surface) peels off from it 

 in thin fragments. Food is taken cautiously, or altogether refused; or it 

 may, alter a few turns between the teeth, be cast from the mouth or, as 

 it is termed, " quidded ". 



Cold water is eagerly sought after, and should an opportunity occur, 

 the patient plunges the mouth into it and finds relief in its cooling effect 

 (in the inflamed and heated surface. 



Should the irritation extend to the throat, as it sometimes will, difficulty 

 may be experienced in swallowing, more especially solid food. 



Treatment. — Treatment of this form of the disease must depend more 

 especially upon the cause to which it is referred. Where it arises out of 

 stomach derangement a dose of aperient medicine is called for. This may 

 take the form of a suitable close of aloes, to be given after two or three 

 feeds of soft bran. 



After the physic has ceased to act, tone may be imparted to the 

 stomach and digestion assisted by the administration of a powder consisting 

 of common salt, bicarbonate of potash, and gentian root, which should be 



