62 AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH AND TONOUE. 



SazivaTiox. 



Salivation or an increased flow of saliva, may be caused by a too liberal 

 use of mercury, by a sudden check to the cutaneous secretion, by cold and 

 damp, or by any influence that suddenly lowers the system. The disease 

 may also arise from decayed teeth. It is commonly associated with can- 

 crum oris and may be induced by some irritation of the salivary glands 

 alone. Probably the more common cause of salivation is the improper 

 use of mercury, either taken internally or used too freely externally. In 

 prescribing the drug to dogs, it must be remembered that natures vary. 

 Some are far more easily affected by its action than others, and a suscep- 

 tibility of salivation and tendency to certain diseases often go together. 



Symptoms. —Swelling and Inflammation of the salivary glands, tongue 

 and throat, with a flow of peculiarly fetid saliva. Shallow ulcerations of 

 the surface of the gums and of the inside of the cheeks. The gums are 

 red, swollen and spongy. The teeth loosened and discolored. In the 

 severest cases, the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines takes 

 on much the same ulcerative action observed in the mouth, 



The failure of strength and loss of flesh depend upon the exciting agency 

 of the affection as well as the severity of the symptoms. 



Treatment. — Decayed teeth should be extracted; the bowels kept open 

 and a generous diet be allowed. For a local application the tincture of 

 myrrh, a saturated solution of chlorate of potassa, or brandy and water 

 is sufficient. 



If the cause of the salivation is mercury, the iodide of potassium In three 

 grain doses, three times daily, should be administered. If no cause for the 

 affection other than debility is apparent, tonics of iron, quinine, or cod 

 liver oil should be persisted in, with the local applications. 



Blain, manifested by an eruption of blisters on the tongue, is compara- 

 tively rare among dogs. 



The cause is generally attributable to Improper feeding, neglect, and 

 exposure, and other Influences impoverishing and debilitating the general 

 system. 



.Sewzp/oOT*.— The blisters occur on the sides and the under surface of 

 the tongue, continue as such for a short time, then burst, leaving ulcers to 

 occupy their place. These ulcerations throw off a purulent, bloody dis- 

 charge having a peculiar fetid odor. Some degree of salivation is 

 associated, and the tongue is swollen and inflamed. Often the tissues 

 forming the floor of tbe niouth we involved in tl}§ iBflammation, and 



