332 CLINICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



The root of the tooth when examined was found to be carious ; the 

 anterior portion had been destroyed, and the tooth itself penetrated by 

 a deep narrow fistula, into which a wire penetrated to within about 

 three eighths of an inch of the grinding surface ; the table itself, how- 

 ever, was intact. 



No exact information could be obtained as to the cause of this 

 dental fistula.. It was probably produced by injury to the maxilla 

 opposite the second molar, leading first to ostitis, then to formation 

 of a necrotic area, followed by alveolitis and caries of the root of the 

 tooth. 



There being no spare room in hospital the horse was placed at 

 livery near the College. During the following few days it was brought 

 to the external clinique. Every morning the dressing was renewed ; 

 the alveolar wound was exposed, cleansed, and again plugged. At the 

 end of a week a small necrotic area was noted in the maxilla in front 

 of the trephine opening. It was swabbed with tincture of iodine, and 

 the little necrotic patch soon separated. 



From the beginning of the second week the dressing was only 

 renewed each second day. The external wound and that of the 

 alveolus gradually closed. On the ist March they had become 

 reduced to a narrow channel from which only a little pus escaped ; 

 and in the mouth the breach had almost entirely closed. 



At this date the animal was returned to work, recovery being 

 assured. 



35. A five-year-old water-spaniel left in hospital on the 17th August, 

 1898. 



For nearly a year this animal had shown at the base of the lower 

 eyelid, shghtly in front of and below the eye, a fistulous wound dis- 

 charging foetid, greyish, sometimes blood-stained pus, which had 

 irritated the skin of the cheek and produced a bare patch. It had 

 been unsuccessfully treated by antiseptic injections, and by exposure 

 and cauterisation. During the previous few months the patient had 

 fallen away in condition. 



On exploration the fistula was found to terminate over the root of 

 the last molar, around which the gum was inflamed and retracted. 



Under proper control the molar was extracted with dental forceps. 

 It was partially carious. The alveolus, however, showed no necrosis, 

 and was disinfected with iodine solution, and plugged with cotton 

 wool. 



During the four following days the dressing was renewed daily. 

 Afterwards the cavity was washed out night and morning wath warm 

 boric solution. 



On the 30th the fistula on the face had closed, and the alveolar 

 opening to a great extent filled up. Next day the animal returned 

 home. 



36. A three-year-old cat, with dental fistula opening on the right 

 side of the lower jaw. Brought for examination on the 31st March, 

 1896. 



