STOMATITIS 93 



Occurrence. — The disease is quite common in the United 

 States among cattle running at pasture, and most often 

 breaks out in the fall, especially when a rainy season follows 

 a period of drouth. 



Etiology. — ^The cause of mycotic stomatitis is evidently 

 certain fungi which infest grasses. Clover pasture seems 

 to be the most dangerous in this regard. The disease is 

 often enzootic, affecting a number of animals subjected to 

 like condition in the community. 



Symptoms. — The initial symptoms are those of impaired 

 appetite, painful mastication and slobbering. In severe out- 

 breaks lameness may be the first symptom noticed by the 

 owner. On examination of the mucous membrane of the 

 mouth minute vesicles are noted. Later small ulcers appear 

 particularly on the mucous surfaces of the lips, under the 

 tongue and on the dental pad. Sometimes gray-colored 

 fibrinous deposits are present. Erosions, scabs and crusts 

 form on the muzzle and external surface of the lips. When 

 the animal is lame the skin and subcutis of the coronet become 

 edematous, hot and tender. In some instances the swelling 

 is cracked and creviced and may show evidence of secondary 

 pus infection. When the udder is involved scabs and fissures 

 appear on the teats and skin of the udder, causing cows 

 to resist the operation of milking. Milk secretion may be 

 partially suspended. The general condition of the animal 

 is involved only in severe attacks. They usually move about 

 stiffly, frequently shaking their feet, or when standing 

 assume the attitude of a horse with founder. The tempera- 

 ture may be slightly elevated (mild fever). There may be 

 emaciation from inability to eat and in rare instances 

 individual animals may show diarrhea. 



Diagnosis. — The diagnosis is not difficult, the disease 

 occurs among pastured cattle, usually attacks only a per- 

 centage of the herd, is generally benign in its course, and 

 once the patients are removed from the infested pasture the 

 symptoms rapidly subside. From foot-and-mouth disease 

 it is distinguished by the fact that it is not transmissible 

 by inoculation, does not affect sheep and swine, fails to 

 develop the characteristic large vesicles and is less apt to 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



