40 Veterinary Elements. 



In horned cattle the age is calculated quite reliably by 

 the wrinkles on the horns, the first one appearing at two 

 years, the others at intervals of one year. Evidences of 

 teething, such as shedding of the milk teeth are well 

 marked in the colt, by the presence of the crowns (so- 

 called) of the milk teeth in the feed box, quite often by 

 a loss of condition and disinclination to eat. Sheep and 

 cattle rarely show marked symptoms of tooth troubles, 

 the latter may, however, if affected with Lumpy Jaw 

 (Actlnomycosis). Owing to the fact that the molars 

 (grinders) are the most important teeth in the horse, a 

 yearly examination by a competent veterinarian of the 

 mouths of all horses owned will result in a. saving of feed 

 and better health in those animals. 



The various changes in the teeth on which are based 

 the determination of the age of the animal have been 

 described, the methods of making sucli an examination 

 follows: The methods described may be varied from, 

 but as they are workmanlike are adopted, being the 

 result of experience. 



In the Horse. The examiner steps to the off side of 

 the horse and facing ahead with the left hand placed on 

 the cheekstrap of the bridle or halter, the right hand 

 parts the lips, thus allowing the general shape of the 

 teeth to be seen, if, as a result of the examination, the 

 animal appears to be over five years, the tables of the 

 teeth are looked at. The left hand lets go of the bridle, 

 the two first fingers are run in the space between the 

 front and back teeth, the thumb being employed to de- 

 press the lower lip, a gentle downward pressure is applied 

 and the tables are then in view; it may be necessary with 



