DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 27 



The acute form of stomatitis runs a short course, usually 

 a few davs, and responds readily to treatment. Localized in- 

 flammation, caused by irritation from teeth, ot feeding irritating 

 feeds, does not respond so readily to treatment., '!'■ l''iiiuM5<!;; -^jM 



The treat nient is largely preventive and consists' largely i-i' 

 removing the cause. When the mouth is ' inflained, roughage 

 should he fed rather sparingly, and soft feeds suen '8(3 slopS^' 

 mashes, or gruels given in place of the regular diet. Plenty of 

 clean drinking water should be provided. In the way of medic- 

 inal treatment antiseptic and astringent washes are indicated. A 

 four per cent water solution of boric acid may be used, or a one- 

 half per cent water solution of a high grade coal-tar disinfectant. 

 The mouth should be thoroughly irrigated twice daily until the 

 mucous surfaces appear normal. 



DEPRAVED APPETITE 



^^;A depraved appetite is met with in all species of farm ani- 

 mals, but it is especially common in ruminants. It should not 

 be classed as a disease, but more correctly as a bad habit, or 

 s^^nptonl of innutrition or indigestion. The animals affected 

 seem to have an irresistible desire to lick, chew and swallow indi- 

 gestible and disQUstinff obiectSi;n:>.v-, « -jMuii i,. !>;.. 



The common cause of depraved appetite is the feeding oi a 

 ration deficient in certain food elements. A ration deficient in 

 protein or in salts is said to cause this disorder. Lack of exerrj 

 cise, or confinement, innutrition, and a depraved sense of taste 

 may favor tliQ development of this disease. Eor example, when 

 sheep are housed closely they may contract the habit of chewing 

 one another's fleeces. Lambs are especially, apti ta.eocutract this 

 habit when suckling ewes that have on their udders long wool 

 soiled with urine and frcces. 



ffi{{rhe )fimtr,S'j^mptom is the desire to chew, lick or eat indi- 

 gestible or filthy substances. Horses and cattle may stand and 

 IieJ§-^,j3^ard for an hour or more; cattle may chew the long hair 



