226 ANIMAL DENTISTRY. 



first be limited to the extraction of the offending molar with 

 the forceps. If after four weeks the tract still exists the 

 skull plate around the opening is trephined and the tract 

 well curetted along its course into the alveolar cavity. 



TRAUMATIC STOMATITIS. 



Definition — Stomatitis signifies inflammation of the 

 mucous membrane of the mouth. 



Etiology — Primary, traumatic stomatitis is a common 

 disease of all the domestic animals. It is seen in the most 

 aggravated forms from the accidental ingestion of irri- 

 tants and from the administration of irritating medicines. 

 Among the other causes are dental irregularities, severe bits, 

 traction on the tongue and the prehension of sharp objects. 

 But in these instances the inflammation is of a circumscribed 

 rather than a diffused character. 



The mucosa of herbivora is well protected against 

 wounding by masticating-coarse food. Beards of cereals will, 

 however, occasionally penetrate through it around the an- 

 terior portion of the mouth and produce an alarming 

 stomatitis simultaneously in a number of animals before the 

 cause is discovered. 



Pathological Anatomy — A simple inflammatory process 

 promptly terminating in resolution. Purulent, catarrhal or 

 necrotic inflammations of the mouth are rare. The severity 

 and extent depend, therefore, upon the trauma. 



Symptoms — Ptyalism, champing the jaws, disturbed pre- 

 hension and mastication and a disinclination to eat are the 

 principal symptoms. The mucous membrane is sensitive to 

 the touch and the patient will resent examinations. On 

 inspection there will be redness and in the severe case 

 desquamation of the superior surface of the tongue. 



Treatment — Stomatitis is not a serious disease. Removal 

 of the cause, the administration of soft diet, and demulcent 



