594 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, TOXGUE, ETC. 



fingers are passed between the lips there is tenderness, particu- 

 larly when the bars and interdental spaces are pressed upon. 

 When the mouth is opened the membrane may seem somewhat 

 heightened in colour, but more certainly it gives the impres- 

 sion of a puffy or swollen character, markedly so along the 

 palatine surface ; while behind the incisor teeth the membrane 

 is so much tumefied as to be on a level with the cutting surface 

 of the teeth. When the cause is gastric or intestinal derange- 

 ment, and severe or of long continuance, the probability is 

 that the appetite wiU be impaired, with general languor, a 

 slight amount of fever, and some other special indications of 

 general or gastric disturbance. 



In aged animals, when associated with unnatural dental 

 activities, we find added to the common symptoms of local con- 

 gestion those of disturbed mastication, specially indicative of 

 disease of the teeth. 



Treatment. — This ought in great measure to be regulated by 

 a consideration of the causes which operate in the produc- 

 tion of the congestion. The heroic local treatment formerly 

 carried out through removal by the actual cautery of the buccal 

 membrane and tissues, bounded by the second or third ridge 

 or bar of the palate, is, we trust, now a method of the past. 

 In a few instances the utmost extent of local manipulation 

 warranted is that which is represented by free scarification 

 of the tumid membrane. Where local irritation is directly 

 operative through improperly applied bits or mouth-gear, these 

 must for a time be removed, and greater care exercised in their 

 replacement ; should normal dental changes seem to be mainly 

 concerned in its production, these must be watched, and any 

 untoward results obviated by local or general soothing measures. 

 Where abnormal dental conditions are in existence judicious 

 surgical interference must be brought to bear, in order that 

 such may be rectified. The greater number of dyspeptic cases 

 which are attended with buccal congestion require most pro- 

 bably constitutional treatment ; in these a moderate dose of 

 laxative medicine, with afterwards some cooling salines, will 

 suffice, along with attention to a properly regulated regimen, 

 to place the animal, both as to its digestive organs and the 

 membrane of the mouth, in accord with the outward conditions 

 of its life. 



