HEALTH AND DISEASE 



foreign matter such as hay, straw, &c, upon which the salts contained in 

 the fluid will gather in a succession of superimposed layers. 



Symptoms. — It is not until the stone or stones have reached a 

 considerable size that salivary calculi are recognized. Attention is first 

 directed to them by a small bulging on the lower border of the jaw, or the 

 groom's hand is brought into contact with them when the horse is being 

 cleaned. When of large size a considerable enlargement appears on the 

 site of the growth, which on manipulation is found to be sharply circum- 

 scribed and movable on 

 the jaw. 



In some instances the 

 skin and underlying tissue 

 around the growth are 

 considerably thickened as 

 the result of irritation 

 provoked by blows. The 

 escape of the salivary 

 fluid being interfered 

 with, it is made to col- 

 lect and distend the duct 

 along its course towards 

 the gland. 



Treatment. — Where 



the stone is discovered 

 while still small an at- 

 tempt may be made to 



..•ig. SK..-TWO Views of a^Saliva^culu^ Tms oalcmus measured force j fc upward a]ong 



the duct and out into 

 the mouth, but this will need the greatest care and most gentle manipu- 

 lation. Large stones, which cannot be so expelled, must be removed 

 bodily. 



Preliminary to an operation the hair must be removed either by close 

 clipping or shaving, the skin is then thoroughly washed and brushed with 

 soap and warm water, and afterwards dried and irrigated with a five-per- 

 cent solution of carbolic acid. An incision is now made through the skin, 

 and the duct laid open either transversely or longitudinally, just so far as 

 to allow the removal of the stone. The divided edges of the duct are then 

 carefully brought together with catgut sutures, and having thoroughly 

 cleansed the wound from blood, and freely irrigated it with carbolic 

 solution, the edges of the skin are brought together and the part covered 

 with sterilized wool. After the operation is completed the patient should 



