76 KENNEL DISEASES. 
from the gums are frequent. Aphthous ulcers are sometimes present, and the 
glands of the neck, under the jaw, are generally much enlarged. 
The appetite evidently continues fairly good, but comparatively little is 
eaten, however, owing to the difficulty in mastication and swallowing; and 
when food is taken, it is generally bolted in haste. 
Constitutional signs, seldom absent, are those of a lowered state of vitality. 
The evidence of malnutrition is plain, there is loss in weight, and the coat is dry 
and rough. Attacks of vomiting or an offensive diarrhcea occur now and then, 
and they appear due to swallowing the putrid fluids of the mouth. 
Ulcerative stomatitis generally attacks old dogs having badly decayed teeth, 
although young dogs are not exempt from the malady. Among the causes as- 
signed are general neglect, unhygienic conditions, insufficient or unsuitable 
nourishment, and like influences detrimental to health. It has followed severe 
attacks of infectious diseases; and occurring in epidemics, that it is sometimes 
of microbic origin is easily believed. 
In young dogs a cure may be expected under proper treatment, but in old 
subjects the outlook is not good, especially if there has been necrosis of the 
jaw-bone. Generally tonics are indicated. In all cases the food should be as 
nutritious as possible, also generous in quantities. To combat the offensive 
odor, the mouth should be swabbed with a solution of permanganate of potas- 
sium, — four grains, to water, one ounce, — or with the peroxide of hydrogen di- 
luted with three or four parts of water. The glycerite of tannin may be wisely 
applied quite generously to the gums; and if the ulcerations are very reluctant 
to heal, it will be advisable to occasionally paint them with a solution of the 
nitrate of silver —ten grains, to water, one ounce. Internally the following may 
be given: Chlorate of potassium, two drachms; dilute hydrochloric acid, one 
drachm; water, four ounces. This should be administered every two hours; 
and in teaspoonful doses to all excepting toys, for which one-half a teaspoonful 
will be sufficient. 
Another form of stomatitis, even more severe than the ulcerative, is the gan- 
grenous, which is termed “canker of the mouth” by some writers on canine 
diseases. This sometimes starts in a swelling on the jaw,—a “gumboil,” as 
commonly called. It may also appear first on the inside of the cheek as a nod- 
ule or “bunch.” Wherever located, the swelling increases rapidly, and soon 
rupture occurs and there is a discharge of blood and pus having an exceedingly 
offensive odor. The swelling subsides somewhat, but there is left a dark, ragged 
and sloughing ulcer, which spreads quite rapidly, and discharges shreds of 
decayed tissues. 
Located on the inside of the cheek, it soon “eats” its way through the same, 
presenting a most unhealthy wound. Considering its peculiar appearance and 
the most intolerable stench emitted, there is no mistaking its gangrenous char- 
acter; while the general symptoms stamp it a malady of exceeding gravity. 
