SECTION V 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, PHARYNX, AND 

 ESOPHAGUS 



Stomatitis 



STOMATITIS, or inflammation of the buccal 

 mucous membrane, is the result of either chem- 

 ical, thermal or mechanical irritants, and is often 

 a complication or symptom of some other disease 

 or condition. It is also common during teething, 

 and where there are decayed teeth. 



Symptoms. — The patient is observed to be slow 

 and careful in eating, large pieces of food being 

 discarded and smaller portions bolted without mas- 

 tication. Salivation is a prominent symptom, the 

 saliva hanging out at the corners of the mouth in 

 glairy strings. Upon examination the mucous mem- 

 brane of the mouth will be found to be red, swollen, 

 and inflamed, the amount of inflammation depend- 

 ing on the cause. In the case of corrosive poisons 

 having been taken into the mouth the mucous mem- 

 branes may be greatly eroded and hanging in 

 shreds, the gums and tongue are also inflamed and 

 tender, and ulcers sometimes appear on different 

 parts of the mouth. 



Treatment. — The dog's diet must consist of bland 

 and non-irritating liquids or mashes, such as soups, 

 milk, beef tea, bread and milk, and boiled rice ; 

 plenty of cold water should be supplied constantly. 



The mouth should be kept clean by means of 

 antiseptic and mild astringent washes, applied either 

 with a camel's-hair brush or an atomizer; decayed 



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