DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY SYSTEM. 203 



Varieties and Symptoms : — 



Simijle, or Catarrhal Stomatitis. — This form is chiefly met 

 with in foals. It first appears as small circumscribed red 

 patches on the buccal membrane of the cheeks and roof of 

 the mouth. These patches are covered with a yellowish 

 film, which soon separates, and leaves a superficial erosion. 



The excoriated patches gradually coalesce, and thick 

 saliva, mingled with the products of inflammatory action, 

 accumulates in the mouth. There is an unhealthy foetid 

 odour in the mouth, and the buccal membrane is somewhat 

 thickened and congested. 



This form is occasionally seen in old animals, and in 

 many instances is associated with disordered digestion. 



Vesicular Stomatitis aff'ects both youug and old animals. 



It may accompany the simple variety, but generally occurs 

 as an independent aff'ection. 



In this form small vesicles appear on the buccal mem- 

 brane of the cheeks, around the angles of the mouth, and 

 on the sides and frsenum of the tongue. 



They soon rupture, and leave minute ulcers, several of 

 which frequently coalesce. 



Pustular Stomatitis. — The vesicles in the preceding form 

 may develop into pustules, and thus this variety is some- 

 times a sequel of vesicular stomatitis. In most instances, 

 however, pustular stomatitis first appears as small yellowish 

 spots, developing into distinct pustules, which rupture, and 

 leave small, deep ulcers. 



Treatment of Stomatitis. — The hygienic and dietetic 

 arrangements should be attended to in the first place. 



As local applications, chlorate of potassium, 15 grains to 

 the ounce, or carbolic acid, 1 part in 40, are recom- 

 mended. If the ulcers become indolent, they may be 

 touched with a solution of sulphate of copper, a scruple to 

 the ounce, or silver nitrate, 10 grains to the ounce. 



