206 ANIMAL DKX'nSTF-iV. 



life, or remain un()l)scr\c(l until their existence is revealed 

 in the treatment of diseased conditions — extracting, trephin- 

 ing, etc. 



Treatment — As long as the supernumerary tooth pro- 

 duces no apparent harm no treatment is advisable. In the 

 incisor arcades their extraction gives even a worse appear- 

 ance to the arcade than if they had been left undisturbed. 

 When encountered within the sinuses in the course of den- 

 tal operations they are removed or left undisturbed, ac- 

 cording to whether they are involved in the morbid process. 



ELONGATIONS OF THE INCISORS. 



As decay or loss of incisor teeth is a rare condition ac- 

 quired elongations of the incisors by growth into vacant 

 cavities are also rare. The gradual lengthening of the whole 

 superior incisive arcade as an animal becomes older is a 

 natural condition resulting from a gradual receding of the 

 alveolar border, and the constant increase in the inclination. 



The common impression, especially among laymen, that 

 the elongation of the incisors prevents contact of the molar 

 denture is erroneous. The only detriment is the evidence 

 they furnish of the real age of the animal, on which account 

 alone their shortening is advisable. Shortening the superior 

 incisors of the old horse is always harmful in proportion to 

 the amount removed. Prehension of attached food is im- 

 paired. 



SHORTENING THE INCISOR TEETH. 



The incisor teeth of the horse are reduced in length for 

 the purpose of disguising the evidence they furnish as to 

 the age of the subject. The popular impression that they 

 prevent contact of the molars is as positively ridiculous is it 

 is physically impossible. The incisors can only wear as fast 

 as the molars will permit them, and vice versa. In rare 

 instances the veterinarian is re(|uired to reduce their length, 



