Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 127 



in of food may be painful and awkward from tlie tender 

 palate projecting beyond tlie teeth. 



Treatment. Feeding hard unshelled Indian corn has 

 often a good effect. Scarify slightly with knife or lancet, 

 for half an inch back from the teeth. Follow with astrin- 

 gent lotions if necessary. If with costiveness or disorder 

 of the stomach give a dose of physic. 



mFLAMM/mON OF THE GUMS. 



If connected with the shedding and cutting of teeth, re- 

 move those that hang partly detached and scarify the 

 gums. For the other causes— diseased teeth and mercurial 

 poisoning — see below. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE. 



There are the signs of general inflammation of the 

 mouth, with great difficulty in taking in food, chewing and 

 drinking, and a swollen red tender state of the tongue 

 which often hangs out of the mouth. 



Treatment. Search carefully for any sharp irritant 

 body that may have penetrated the organ and remove it. 

 Support the tongue within the mouth in a bag with tapes 

 tied behind the ears. Otherwise treat as for general in- 

 flammation of the mouth. 



THRUSH OF THE MOUTH. APHTHOUS STOMATITIS. MUGUET 



Is mostly seen in sucking animals. In addition to the 

 signs of ordinary inflammation, there appear on the hps, 

 cheeks and tongue, firm white patches, which on micro- 

 scopic examination show the presence of a vegetable 

 growth (oidium albicans). Wash the mouth frequently 

 with a solution of bisulphite of soda or even of borax. 



MEKCUEIAUSM. 



Inflammation of the mouth, ulceration of the gums, 

 loosening of the teeth and free sahvation were formerly 

 common results of the abuse of mercurials but are no\» 



