PROTOZOIC STOMATITIS OR SORE MOUTH OF DOGS.* 
By Allen A. Foster, D.V.S., City Bacteriologist, Marshall, Texas. 
In the preparation of a paper on this subject one must neces¬ 
sarily confine himself to personal observations and experiences, 
since the condition is not described by any of the various text¬ 
books on canine diseases. This is practically a new disease in 
this section, as I am unable to trace it back prior to the year 
1900, when an entire pack of fox hounds Were affected. Since 
that year it has been constantly with us and many valuable hunt¬ 
ing dogs have been lost by its ravages. 
While the disease is present all the year, more cases are 
noticed during the summer months. No particular breed of dogs 
seem to possess immunity, as it is observed in setters, hounds, 
pointers, terriers and collies. Occurring more frequently in the 
order named, perhaps, on account of the fact that setters and 
hounds outnumber all other varieties. It is observed in the city 
and the country dog, the hunting and the house dog, the well- 
kept and the street dog, so it would seem that the different con¬ 
ditions in which dogs are kept do not affect the disease. It is 
also observed in puppies and very old dogs, so age is not a factor 
concerned. 
This disease is very widely disseminated; especially is this 
true of the South, and I believe is more frequently found in the 
marshy sections. 
The general symptoms- of the disease are of most uniform 
character and easily recognized. I know of no other disease that 
could be confused with it. The owner’s attention is first at¬ 
tracted by the champing noise made by the jaws, and a delicacy 
in eating. Seems sluggish and is not playful as usual. Exam¬ 
ination of the lips at this stage will reveal a sticky substance 
adhering to them. Cheeks seem to be hot and painful to the 
touch, with a very offensive odor from the mouth. 
* Read before the Texas Veterinary Medical Asssociation, Fort Worth, March, 1912. 
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