kitten sore tongue

Question
This week I took mama and babies to vet as mama had severe diarrhea which transferred to some other kittens which got sick and died fast. Vet does not know what cause of diarrhea, suggests autopsy of dead kittens (cannot afford) but put the kittens on amoxicillan and mama on metronidazole. Kittens are apx 7-8 weeks old.
Tonight I noticed one kitten with desire to eat but seeming to have trouble--they recently began trying hard food and canned food. I thought maybe had a loose milk tooth or something to that effect. I looked in her mouth and her tongue is very red around the edges going towards center but not affecting center yet.
I wonder if this is some allergic reaction to the amoxi; possibly allergic reaction to the metronidazole passed through mothers milk; or possibly something entirely different that has developed.

Answer
There are some viruses that can cause severe oral ulceration. Specifically, calici virus and rhinotracheitis. These are diseases that cause severe upper respiratory signs and in some cases can be fatal. Other things that can cause tongue ulceration are chemical burns, ie. from licking something caustic, or chewing on an electric cord. If you are certain that the kittens have not done this then there may be a virus spreading among the kittens. Was the mother tested for FeLv and FIV? Were the mother and kittens dewormed?
Not likely a reaction to Amoxi or Metronidazole. I would definitely have the kitten rechecked by your vet.
Dr. G.