STOMATITIS 101 



mucosa, in which there are slight epithelial defects, they may 

 develop and lead to the formation of thrush spots and pseudo- 

 membranes. In some cases the filaments and spores may 

 penetrate deeper into the tissues, or by metastasis involve 

 the internal organs. Frequently in birds, the spores are 

 taken into the crop where they develop and produce typical 

 thrush lesions. Damp, warm rooms poorly ventilated and 

 filthy, favor the growth of this fungus. 



Pathology. The affection begins with diffuse redness of 

 the mucosa and the formation of a glistening or shiny 

 adhesive exudate of grayish appearance. Small white or 

 yellowish dots next appear, which stand out prominently 

 against the hyperemic background. These patches may be 

 quite large and when removed the underlying mucosa is 

 congested and eroded. The disease usually begins on the 

 tongue or inner parts of the cheeks, from where it spreads 

 to other parts of the mouth. In severe cases it may extend 

 to the pharynx, esophagus, or even in fowls to the crop and 

 intestines. The microscope reveals filaments, spores, epi- 

 thelial cells and pus. 



Symptoms. The general symptoms are depression, emacia- 

 tion and loss of strength. On direct examination of the mouth 

 an acid odor will be detected and the characteristic lesions or 

 spots will be seen on the mucosa. These may be in the form 

 of white or yellowish spots, or they may coalesce forming a 

 superficial felt-like membrane which can be readily scraped 

 off. Similar membranes form in the esophagus and crop 

 interfering with the appetite and nutrition. This condition 

 leads to cachexia and death, which is often preceded by 

 convulsions. 



Diagnosis. The disease is readily distinguished from other 

 forms of stomatitis by the absence of acute inflammation. 

 The diagnosis is made positive by the finding of the filaments 

 or spores of the fungus in the deposits on the membranes. 

 The clinical appearance may be confused with the condition 

 due to the aspergillus fungi. (See Aspergillosis.) 

 t Prognosis. When the disease is localized on the mucous 

 membrane of the mouth, the prognosis is favorable, but when 

 it extends to the esophagus and crop, treatment is unsatis- 

 factory. 



