AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH AND TONGUE. 61 



denial of food, in such cases, is far from " cruel " but rather merciful. Few- 

 indulgent owners can be convinced of this however, and the extreme must 

 be modified. 



The treatment may be wisely commenced with a dose of castor oil or 

 syrup of buckthorn or both. No more than two meals daily at the utmost 

 should be allowed, and at each a little milk be given at first. This may be 

 followed bj r broths, and raw meat occasionally. 



Exercise must be strictly enforced, the animal being walked a mile in 

 the beginning, then two miles a day, later run behind a carriage. As he 

 becomes stronger and more active the diet may be more generous, meat 

 in some form entering largely into it. 



The teeth should be looked to, tartar removed, and the gums rubbed 

 with a little tincture of myrrh. Patience and common sense are certain to 

 overcome the affection unless the dog be too old. 



CajvcftUM Oftis. 



. Canker of the mouth is an individual affection induced directly by a 

 decayed tooth, or a diseased state of the jaw bone. 



Symptoms . — Attention is usually first attracted by a swelling on the jaw 

 over or beneath the part diseased. This swelling finally bursts, discharging 

 matter and blood of a very offensive odor. The parts affected are very 

 painful, and usually much difficulty will be experienced before a thorough 

 examination is made. 



After the abscess has burst, a fistulous opening remains that will never 

 permanently close until the diseased bone or tooth is removed. A dis- 

 charge w r ill persist having the same offensive character. Eventually, a 

 fetid ulcer forms on the gums and cheek of a gangrenous character, bleed- 

 ing easily at the slightest touch. The pain and difficulty in eating tend to 

 exhaust the animal which becomes weakened and emaciated. 



Treatment . — Whatever the cause it must first be removed. If a decayed 

 tooth and it is extracted, the trouble will probably disappear. If the bone 

 of the jaw be diseased, then the dog should be etherized, the gum laid open 

 and the affected portion removed. The bleeding growths and ulcerations 

 may then be well burned with the nitrate of silver and afterwards be 

 treated with the tincture of myrrh. The general health must not be over- 

 looked. The diet should be generous; milk, broths, raw eggs, meat, and 

 if need be, tonics must be administered; cod liver oil in tablespoonful 

 doses, is advised if the animal is emaciated. If digestive disorders are 

 present, the elixir of bark, pepsin and bismuth, one teaspoonful three 

 times daily, is indicated. If glandular enlargement under the jaw remains, 

 the syrup of the iodide of iron is an appropriate remedy. 



