Catarrhal Stomatitis is indicated by undue redness and capillary conjestion of the mucous membrane, with engorgement and swelling of the mucous follicles, swelling of the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips, fetor of breath, heat and dryness of mouth, and in some cases this is followed by excessive secretion of saliva and mucus, when the gums often become soft and spongy, and bleed easily. Vesicles sometimes appear on the tongue, lips, and cheeks, which leave minute ulcers, with a yellowish centre, and red margin. Fissures may form at angles of mouth, and upon the lips, with exudation and the formation of crusts; but the pain is not generally severe. The constitutional symptoms are fever, diarrhoea, thirst, loss of both appetite and sleep.

Treatment

Correcting the gastro-intestinal derangement by castor oil, rhubarb, or rhubarb combined with carbonate of soda; attention to the milk, the use of a mild antiseptic solution as a mouth-wash, chlorate of potash solution, or a weak solution of sulphate of zinc or copper. Lime water added to the milk, and a hygienic condition maintained. The following is very serviceable:

Pottassii chlorat..................

Tinct. myrrh...................gtt. xx

Elixir calisayae..................

Sig

Internally, a teaspoonful in water every four hours.

Locally:

Sodii boratis....................gr. xxx

Mel. purificati...................f.

Aquae q. s. ad....................f.

Sig

To be used as a mouth-wash every four hours, or on a swab.

Peroxide of hydrogen water eight ounces, is also valuable as a mouth-wash.