INJURIES TO THE TONGUE. 365 



able ; examine the parts carefully, and having found the 

 piece of wood or other foreign body, it should be removed 

 without delay. 



GLOSSITIS. 



Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, is a condition 

 not very frequently met with; it is usually caused by 

 injury, as the action of a severe bit, mastication of irri- 

 tant or poisonous substances, the incautious administration 

 of irritant medicines, as aetli. nitrici, aqua amnion., etc., 

 when not properly diluted. 



Symiitoms. — There is an increased flow of saliva into the 

 mouth, from which it is in turn again discharged ; the 

 appetite may be more or less impaired, according to the 

 intensity of the inflammation ; the process of mastication is 

 rendered impossible in many cases, or where possible can 

 be performed only with very great difficulty and pain. 

 The power of deglutition is in all cases more or less impaired 

 and frequently is lost altogether ; the mouth is usually kept 

 in a partially opened state, the tongue may be seen to be 

 much reddened, and is hot, and tender when touched. There 

 is always more or less swelling. In some cases it is swollen 

 to such an extent as to seriously interfere with respiration, 

 and endanger the life of the animal. Glossitis may termi- 

 nate in resolution, or induration, suppuration, etc. As a 

 rule the throat does not become involved to any serious 

 extent ; frequently the tongue, red and swollen, is allowed 

 to hang out of the mouth. AYhen resolution takes place, 

 the tongue regains its normal appearance and condition. 

 When induration occurs as a result of glossitis the swelling 

 subsides, and cracks appear extending transversely across 

 the tongue, which on being felc is found to be hard and 

 unyielding ; when this condition occurs, generally speaking, 

 the tonsrue can never be restored to its natural condition, 



