Stomatitis

Diseases of the buccal cavity

Stomatitis

Definition:

Is an inflammation of the oral mucosa and includes glossitis (inflammation of the lingual mucosa) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Clinically it is characterized by:
- Partial or complete loss of appetite.
- Profuse salivation.
It is frequent in occurrence in cattle either as a primary (purely local) or secondary conditions (along the course of some infectious diseases).

Types of stomatitis

I - Simple stomatitis (Catarrhal stomatitis):
This type of stomatitis is an acute mild inflammation of the mucus membran of the mouth characterized by:
Salivation, redness and swelling of the oral mucosa.

Etiology:

1-Traumatic injuries: While dosing, sharp foreign bodies awns plants and drinking hot liquids. Injuries to the mucosa may result from mouth gag and during oral passage of a stomach tube, rough use of balling gun.

2- Chemical injuries:

a) Is more common to be due to caustic drugs such as chloral hydrate or formaline.
b) Pastures may contain some irritant plants.


II - Other types of stomatitis may be classified according to the cause:
1- Bacterial stomatitis:
Is usually necrotic and is manifested by ulceration and suppuration. The only common cause is oral necrobacillosis caused by sphaerophorus necrophorus.

2- Mycotic stomatitis:

It is in most cases caused by infection with Monilia spp. It usually takes the form of a heavy white deposit with little inflammation or damage to the mucosa.

3- Viral stomatitis:

Caused by specific viruses and this type assume a number of forms:
a) Vesicular stomatitis: as in cases of foot and mouth disease, vesicular stomatitis and vesicular exanthema.
b) Suppurative stomatitis: Rinderpest, mucosal disease, blue tongue.
d) Proliferative form occur in cases of papillomatosis.

4-Gangrenous stomatitis:

May be a complication of any of the above-mentioned types. It is characterized by a rapid extending necrosis and destruction of the mucus membrane. Ulcers are covered by a slimy yellowish material. Mouth has a very bad fetid smell.

General clinical findings:

1- Partial or complete anorexia.
2- Salivation may be frothy or profuse, and drools if the animal does not swallow normally.
4- Saliva contains pus or shreds of epithelial tissues.
5- A foeted odor if bacterial invasion of the lesion has occurred.
6- Enlargement of local lymph nodes with swelling of the face in some cases where a cellulitis extends to involve soft tissues.
7- Increased desire for water.


Treatment:
1- Isolation of diseased animals which should be fed and watered from separate utensils.
2- Specific treatment is dealt with under the specific diseases.
3- non specific treatment includes:
a) Frequent application of a mild antiseptic solutions
such as:
- 2% sol. of copper sulphate.
- 2% suspension of borax.
- 1% suspension of sulphonamides in glycerin.
- 1 % suspension of acrifiavin in glycerin.
- 2% sol. of pot. chlorate or alum.
b) In ulcers diphtheroid lesions require curettage or cauterisation with a silver nitrate stock or tincture of iodine (2.5%) in 10% glycerin.
c) There may be need in some cases to antibiotic application.
NB.:You have to repeat this treatment daily till complete recovery.