SYMPTOMS 99 
Oral Lesions.—Many writers have spoken of the so- 
called oral lesions of distemper, in which ulceration of 
the buccal mucous membrane has played a prominent 
part. Personally I have only observed these lesions in 
a small minority of cases. More frequently I have 
noticed a hyperaemic appearance of the gums, which 
have bled upon the slightest provocation. The teeth 
also at times show a dirty brown discoloration, and 
the tongue may be furred. Some authorities have 
included necrosis and gangrene of the free anterior 
portion of the tongue as a lesion of distemper; but in 
my opinion they are confounding the symptoms of this 
malady with those of Stuttgart disease. 
Occasionally a vesicular eruption may be detected 
about the lips and at the angles of the mouth, which, 
however, may be part of the exanthema sometimes found 
in distemper on other parts of the body, particularly the 
abdomen and thighs. 
Pharyngitis.—As a result of the catarrhal affection, the 
pharynx and larynx may be swollen and slightly inflamed 
at the onset, giving rise to sore throat, cough, and profuse 
expectoration, whilst difficulties in swallowing or breath- 
ing may also become apparent. In such a contingency, 
if medicinal treatment is contemplated, it is a wise pre- 
caution to ascertain first whether the dog will be able to 
receive the medicine safely and swallow it. 
Vomiting.—Vomiting a thin, frothy mucus is frequently 
one of the earliest symptoms, indicating irritation of 
the stomach in consequence of a catarrh of that organ, 
which may vary in its intensity as in its incidence. Too 
much importance need not, however, be attached at any 
time to vomition in the dog, as he is able to accomplish 
this act at will, and frequently does so. Being forced 
to submit only too often to ignorance in his treatment, 
it is perhaps fortunate for him that he possesses this 
