42 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



illustration of the position of the liver. We may find great ten- 

 derness on pressure, which is present in stagnation of bile in car- 

 cinoma and in the early stages of cirrhosis or atrophy. Enlarge- 

 ment or displacement of the liver may be seen when cancer, 

 abscesses, or tumors are present; but in making a diagnosis we 

 must take into consideration that the liver varies a great deal in 

 different breeds, and even in individual dogs. 



The Spleen. 



The spleen of the dog is an organ that is very readily examined 

 by manipulation, as shown in Fig. 8, although in well-fed animals 

 that are fat it is sometimes hard to find. It is frequently enlarged 

 and swollen; this is seen in the majority of infectious diseases, 

 especially distemper. It is seen in leukaemia, or from the pres- 

 ence of tumors or carcinoma. 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, THE TONGUE, AND 

 SALIVARY GLANDS. 



Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Mouth. 



{Stomatitis. ) 



Etiology. The most common cause of inflammation of the 

 mucous membranes of the mouth is by chemical, mechanical, or 

 thermic irritants. The most violent inflammations are caused by 

 poisonous substances of a caustic nature. It may also be seen in 

 all slow fevers and in inflammatory conditions of the surrounding 

 organs, in diseased conditions of the throat, and during " teething " 

 in young animals ; mercurial stomatitis is also seen as a result of 

 the absorption from the use of preparations containing the drug. 



Clinical Symptoms. The first symptom the animal will show 

 will be the slow, careful way it eats; it will leave any large or 

 hard piece of food untouched and swallow small pieces without 

 mastication. The saliva is greatly increased in amount and runs 

 out of the corners of the mouth in thin, glass-like threads or 

 strings. On making an examination of the mouth all the mucous 

 membranes will be found swollen, red, and inflamed; the gums 



