326 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



are inclined to think that insufficient attention and even neglect of the 

 teeth may be held to account for many of those obscure cases of failure 

 in general health which are seen from time to time in our horse patients. 

 Dentition in relation to age is considered in another part of this 

 work, and we wish here only to call attention to those diseases or abnormal 

 conditions which interfere with the proper mastication and insalivation 

 of food, or cause pain and inconvenience to the animal. 



Fig. 120. — Lower Jaw of Horse, showing Numerical Excess of Molars on the Kieht Side 



Irregularities of the teeth may have reference to the process of 

 shedding, to numbers, to growth, and to wear. The majority of colts 

 cast their primary teeth without assistance, and it is only when they are 

 seen to dribble or drop their food that they receive any special attention. 



The inflamed gums or Lampas elsewhere referred to may have its 

 origin in the pushing up of the new tooth while the primary one still 

 retains a loose hold upon the gum. In these cases the fang is already 

 absorbed, and the offending crown may usually be removed with ease 

 and without danger. This is done by means of dental forceps. It is 

 a simple operation, requiring only that the neck of the tooth be seized 

 by the instrument, while sufficient care is taken not to injure the 

 growing tooth beneath, or the socket of the jaw in which they are con- 



