22 DIGESTION AND FOOD. 



INDURATION OP THE TONGUE is a result of glossitis to be 

 dreaded, and may usually be prevented by proper treatment. 

 Suppuration is most frequently the result; and, whether super- 

 ficial or deep, resolves itself into discharge of the matter, 

 which, when thoroughly thrown off, leaves the parts in a con- 

 dition favourable to heal. From first to last, in every form of 

 inflammation of the mouth or tongue, the swelling is apt to be 

 considerable, and may give rise to symptoms of suffocation. 



The treatment of inflammatory diseases of the mouth or 

 tongue consists in the early exhibition of a purgative aloes 

 in the horse, a saline purge in cattle, and castor oil to any of 

 the smaller animals.* In the pig, subject as this animal not 

 unfrequently is to inflammation of the mouth, &c., tartar 

 emetic, in half-grain doses, repeated twice a-day, proves the 

 best antiphlogistic. Small, and oft-repeated doses of nitre, or 

 acetate of ammonia, must be given in proportions according to 

 the animal treated. The veterinary surgeon gains considerably 

 by judicious scarifications or incisions into the swollen parts. 

 An electuary, such as that recommended for aphtha, may be 

 used, or a mild solution of alum. If pus or matter form in 

 abundance, and is attended with foetor, a little chlorine water, 

 largely diluted, constitutes the best disinfectant. To keep 

 the animal's condition up, it may be expedient to drench 

 with gruel, linseed tea, and other nutritious materials. 

 Animals affected with inflammation of the mouth or tongue 

 should be encouraged to drink water freely. 



Ulcers of the tongue and lips are commonly seen in cattle. 

 They are generally superficial, but often extensive, and call 

 for the use of caustic, astringent lotions, and careful manage- 

 ment as to diet, &c. 



* For information as to the doses of medicine, the administration 

 of the latter, and many prescriptions, see The Veterinarian's Vade- 

 Mccum. 



