INJURIES IN THE REGION OF THE MOUTH. 255 



Treatment, — In all cases remove the cause, and wash the 

 mouth repeatedly with cold water, and mild astringents, such as 

 vinegar or alum. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE TONGUE. 



Glossitis. — Glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, is a con- 

 dition not very often met with. The tongue is injured by being 

 bitten, by chemicals of irritating nature, by cruel attendants, etc. 

 There is an increased flow of saliva, and the tongue hangs out of 

 the mouth, reddened, hot, and tender when touched. Treat with 

 cool astringent lotions, vinegar and water. The tong'ue should 

 be treated on conservative principles. Nothing must be destroyed, 

 cut off, or removed, but all torn edges must be brought together 

 and held by proper sutures. If, however, a portion be really gan- 

 grenous, it must, of course, be excised. 



ULCERS OF THE TONGUE. 



This is generally caused by diseased and irregular teeth; dirty 

 and rusty bits, or as a result of indigestion. Touch the ulcer with 

 a pencil of nitrate of silver, and wash the tongue with alum, 

 borax or chlorate of potash. 



PARALYSIS OF THE TONGUE. 



This is due to some brain disease, or may eventually be pro- 

 duced by the animal's habit of lolling the tongue. It may also 

 be caused by rough usage. 



Treatment. — Replace the tongue within the mouth, and re- 

 tain it there by the application of a nose band sufficiently tight 

 to keep the mouth shut for a few hours. Bandages placed round 

 the upper and lower jaw will prevent the tongue coming out. 

 Nerve stimulents should be tried — drachm doses of powdered 

 nux vomica should be given in the feed. 



