36 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



that when the forceps are applied to the tooth, one part of the latter 

 gives way and may easily be extracted. 



After the removal of the tooth the alveolus should be plugged, 

 otherwise an irregularity will arise in the subsequent overgrowth of the 

 corresponding molar in the opposed row. 



Alveolar Fistula 



As its name implies, this is a sinus, one of the openings of which 

 conducts into an alveolus. The external opening of the fistula is usually 

 on the outer side, between the molars and the cheek. In the lower jaw 

 it may be placed anywhere along the outer surface of the anterior half 

 or may be two-thirds of the horizontal ramus. 



The tubular cavity may extend in any direction from the alveolus 

 with which it is connected. Thus the external opening may be placed 

 some distance anteriorly or posteriorly to the affected alveolus, or it may 

 be placed directly opposite to it. 



Again, in this affection the horse is usually brought to the 

 veterinary surgeon on account of inability to masticate the food and 

 " quidding." 



To ascertain the whereabouts of the opening of the fistula the fingers 

 should be passed along the outer side of the teeth, the palmar aspect 

 being directed towards the gums. Occasionally the fistula is situate 

 between two teeth. 



The fistuls of alveoli in the lower jaw are not so difficult to 

 diagnose, since in these cases there is generally a wound which is 

 visible on the exterior. 



Regarding the treatment in such cases a probe should be passed 

 through the external opening of the fistula, and by careful manipulation 

 of this instrument the direction of the cavity ascertained. Continuing 

 the examination still further in this manner we are enabled to detect the 

 particular alveolus from which the fistula originates. In this connection 

 an important point to be remembered is that the tooth itself may be 



