VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 1 . 243 



case, which yet retains more or less of the triangular 

 depression on the posterior borders of the corner 

 incisors. 



Between two and three years of age begins that 

 change in the dentition of the horse which often 

 becomes a source of annoyance. Some animals 

 grow thin and do not again pick up in flesh until the 

 fifth year is reached. At this age the central tem- 

 porary incisors are replaced by permanent teeth. 

 Soon after two years there will be signs of shedding 

 of these teeth. The gums surrounding the necks of 

 these teeth are somewhat sunken and more or less 

 congested. A red line is noticed surrounding the 

 teeth, and it is evident all but a small portion of the 

 roots have been absorbed. 



At two and one-half years the temporary teeth 

 will have been pushed off and the permanent ones 

 appear. These permanent teeth are easily recog- 

 nized by their general appearance. They are much 

 wider than the temporary teeth, about half grown, 

 with deep cavities on their posterior border. At 

 this age they are only about half developed, conse- 

 quently there is considerable space between the 

 upper and lower central incisors, when the mouth is 

 closed.* 



At two years and eight months to two years 

 and nine months the anterior border of the table sur- 



* The teeth of the lower jaw usually precede those of the upper jaw by 

 several weeks, and are the ones examined in determining the age. 



