Today we begin a new chapter of canine maladies, viz, those which are associated with the oral cavity. Actually, genuine diseases of the mouth are relatively rare, if the animal is fed well and is otherwise well cared for. The reason for this comparative lack of infectious diseases is to be found in the fact that dogs’ saliva has antibacterial properties (enzymes), in addition to being alkaline. Moreover, in the mouth of dogs and cats there exist special bacteria which actually prevent other bad bacteria from implanting themselves and flourishing.
The oral cavity is bounded by the hard and soft palates (on the roof of the mouth), by muscles (on the base), and by the cheeks on the sides and the lips in front. In the mouth is that extraordinary organ, the tongue, and the teeth which are embedded in gums. I should mention also that four pairs of salivary glands drain into the mouth. At the back
