166 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



indebted to C. D. House (now deceased), the em- 

 inent veterinary dentist, who was the first to op- 

 erate upon horses' teeth without using a gag or 

 confining the most vicious animals in any manner. 

 As far back as 1875-7 we find Mr. House's mode of 

 operating very unique. He used no gag and left the 

 animals to stand free, passing his hands over the 

 teeth of the most vicious horses without being bitten. 

 Since that time the number using his methods in 

 operating has gradually increased, until at the present 

 time (1889), there are about twenty-five in this 

 country who have become expert veterinary dentists. 

 In operating, all that is necessary in most cases 

 is to back the animal into a narrow stall, or the corner 

 of a box stall where he can not turn around. The 

 assistant should then place one hand over the nose 

 of the animal, far enough up so that it will not inter- 

 fere with respiration, either taking hold of the ear 

 with the other hand or placing it over the poll. In 

 this manner he will be able to steady the head and 

 prevent any sudden movement on the part of the 

 horse. For trephining all that is necessary in addi- 

 tion to the above is the application of the twitch to 

 the upper lip. Always handle the animal quietly, 

 allow no boisterous noise or sudden movements. 

 Endeavor to finish the work as soon as is consistent in 

 a workmanlike manner. After the teeth have been 

 placed in satisfactory shape take the bone spoon and 



