248 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



much bleeding, and caustics, except when very carefully 

 applied, are apt to be too destructive. The solid nitrate 

 of silver is one of the safest and best. Strong acetic acid 

 is useful, especially when these epithelial growths are very 

 numerous. It is to be swabbed or brushed on daily. 



But perhaps the quickest and most effective method is 

 the application of the red-hot iron of neat form. The dog 

 should be narcotized first, of course, when the operation 

 is to be at all extensive, though the actual pain, if the iron 

 be at a bright-red heat, is slight. A single wart, or a few, 

 may be cut off and the base cauterized. 



Salivary Glands. Salivation in greater or less degree is 

 a frequent accompaniment of disordered digestion, espe- 

 cially of the stomach. Salivation to a dangerous extent, 

 or as evidence of poisoning by mercury, is difficult to con- 

 trol. The breath is more or less fetid, and the gums and 

 other parts usually suffer. When the secretion of the 

 mucous glands or of the salivary glands is abnormal, tar- 

 tar i. e., a collection of lime salts entangling foreign 

 matter collects on the teeth. A dog of a thoroughly 

 healthy digestion rarely suffers thus. It is important, as 

 sooner or later the gums, and the teeth themselves, are cor- 

 roded, resulting in ulceration of the gums (cancrum oris). 

 The latter requires both local and constitutional treatment. 



If due to digestive disorders, attention to the diet, 

 regulation of the bowels by exercise and dieting, and, in 

 more urgent cases, by medicine, usually suffice. 



Mercurial salivation requires more attention. Locally, 

 strong washes of chlorate of potassium and tincture of 

 myrrh alternately will be useful. Iodide of potassium, 

 combined with a vegetable tonic, should be given inter- 



