50 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



tained. Teeth so affected should be " scaled," and after- 

 wards brushed with soap and water and a little charcoal, or a 

 few drops of simple tincture of myrrh. 



The repetition of deposit may frequently be prevented, 

 by allowing the animal occasionally large bones to gnaw. 



The food must be plain, not stimulating ; luxuries are es- 

 pecially to be avoided ; a mild dose of aperient medicine, and 

 subsequently a little iron and quininCi will aid in restoring 

 tone to the system. 



CANKER. 



Canker of the mouth is a result of the foregoing affec- 

 tions ; it is exceedingly painful, and, if long neglected, very 

 troublesome. 



Symptoms. — The gum is congested, swollen and spongy, 

 and bleeds on the least pressure. Abscesses not unfre- 

 quently form on the jaw, and discharge disgustingly fetid 

 pus ; haematoid granulations follow, and the poor animal is 

 reduced, from inability through pain to lap or masticate, to a 

 mere skeleton, while a considerable amount of inflammatory 

 fever is present. 



Treatment. — This primarily consists in the removal of the 

 cause. Rotten stumps, loose or over-crowded teeth, should 

 be extracted : if necrosis of the bone is present, that likewise 

 must be removed. Small doses of alterative medicine daily, 

 for a few days, should follow. The food should be soft, 

 nutritious and plain ; animal food is, for a time, best avoided. 



The following gargle will have a beneficial effect on the 

 condition of the gums : 



-^'"f" lo grains. 



Tinct. Myrrh Co j^ drachm. 



Acid, acetic •. i^ " 



^'Ju^ 6 ounces. 



A little to be used twice a day. 



