124 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



Causes. — It is simply the result of shedding the tem- 

 porary teeth. 



Symptoms. — There is a swelling of the gums in the 

 upper part of the mouth, behind the front teeth. Here, too, 

 they are red and pressure of the finger indicates that they 

 are quite sore. 



Treatment. — Harsh treatment should be avoided as the 

 swelling usually disappears of its own accord as soon as all 

 the teeth are shed and new ones come in. It is well to cut 

 the gums in a few places with a sharp knife. This relieves 

 the congestion and soreness. Rub a couple of times a day 

 with alum water — about two teaspoonfuls of alum to a pint 

 of water. Care must be taken to avoid cutting back of the 

 third bar or ridge in the roof of the mouth because of the 

 danger of cutting the large artery situated at this point, 

 which when cut, bleeds very freely. If by accident this 

 artery be cut, stop the bleeding in the following manner: 

 Place a large piece of cotton batting in the roof of the mouth 

 directly over the cut. Bandage through the mouth and over 

 the nose in such a manner as to hold the batting firmly 

 against the opening from which the blood is flowing. Tie 

 him up so that he cannot eat. After twenty-four hours the 

 bandage may be safely removed. 



3. Parrot Mouth. 



This is not a disease but simply a deformed mouth. The 

 upper jaw is longer than the lower, causing the teeth of the 

 upper to project over those of the lower. These projecting 

 teeth generally get very long. It is always well to examine 

 a horse's mouth before purchasing for fear of trouble of this 

 kind. A horse with a parrot mouth should never be turned 

 out to pasture, as it is impossible for him to graze because of 

 the front teeth not coming together properly. In some cases, 

 however, such make very good workhorses if they are kept 

 in the stable and fed on hay and oats. Horses of this kind 

 are considered to be unsound. 



4. Wolf Teeth. 



These are two small teeth found in the upper jaw in 

 front of the grinders, one on each side. Their presence affect 

 the eyes, causing them to run water and look dull. In some 

 cases if very large they interfere with eating. 



Treatment. — They should be removed. Put a twitch on 

 the horse's nose and pull them out with a wolf-tooth forceps. 



