Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1906-11-16
St0matitis--S0re Mouth

The term "Stomatitis" signifies al
inflammation of the mocus membrane
lining of the mouth. All domestic AMI
mails are subject to this condition from
varying causes; the occasion for this
article. however, being the severe and
widespread outbreak now existing
among cattle throughout central and
eastern Virginia.
| CAUsES-These may be classed ss
mechanical. chemical, microbian al d
other irrittants (Law). Injuries to the
mocus membrane are freq nently traced
to thOrns, briars and other such sub
stances taken in with the food wound
Ing the membrane, making favorable
entering places for micro organi SIMS
the action of which (through their
toxic substance) is to produce inflam
nation Fodder contaminated with
fungi .ls among the most fruitful
causes; and is the one which is most
probably responsible for the present
serious outbreak. Aspergillus W hite
Mold), ergot and puccina Gramin;s
rust). having been found by the writ
er in the relative proportions as they
are named their existence having been
favored by the wet season and absence
of sunlight. Red and white clover,
trefoil. hybrid and purple clover and
alfalfa have all been known to produce |
it; though ID most cases such foods |
have been the host of bacterial fer
ments. Many other causes might also |
be named if space permitted; these be
ing in the writer's opinion the only ones
deserving space here.
SYMPTONs-These vary according to
the degree of Inflammation. At first
the animal is noted to be dull and
gaunt; the early (congestive stage is
marked by dryness of the mouth and
redness of the gums, tongue and cheeks;
this stage having passed ptyalism (prO-
fuse salivation) becomes marked fe a.
ture; tie animal is seen to keep WORK
ing the jaws, causing asmacking noise,
with frothy mucous collecting about
the mouth. Upon closer examination
the mucous membrane will be fonnd
detached from larger or smaller patch
es, leaving an excessively red and pain
ful condition. A disagreeable odOr 10
also present frequently; emaciation be
comes rapid, the animal being unable
10 feed; marked fever and stiffness ac-
severer cases; and death
rom starvation is far from uncommon.
TREATMENT.-Remo afflicted ami
mails from such pastures as have pro-
1uced it; provide nutritive food which
must be sloppy or soft, boiled roots,
oran and ground oats and corn made .
nto mashes. Pure water in abund. 8
'nce is very important. Among medi- .
;inal agents there is a large group
which gives favorable resuI ts. Prob ,
IDLY none can be selected which will
nodify the conditions more than free .
y washing out the mouth two or three
lines daily with a warm one per cent.
olution OreOline, to be followed after
ach washing by the following mixture
ppIied to the denuded surfaces with
soft sWdb of cotton tied on a small
tick: Chlorate of potash 4 ounces;
incture of iron 4 ounces; glycerine 6
unces; water gallon.
Another wise choice may be made !;
or the second dressing in 1-2 ounces
ach of borax and alum to the quart Of i,
vater; but removal from the exciting
ause, nutritive sloppy food and clean
mess of the parts are imperative. lC
JOHN SPENCER,
Veterinarian.