DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 125 



5. Sharp Edges on the Teeth. 



The grinders of the upper jaw are wider than those of 

 the lower and pointed to the outside, while those of the 

 lower are narrow and pointed in toward the tongue. This 

 condition, when present, may be observed by opening the 

 horse's mouth and drawing the tongue out to one side. 

 Continual grinding causes the outer edges of the upper teeth 

 to become sharp on the outside, so much so that they cut the 

 cheek, and for the same reason those of the lower jaw become 

 sharp on the inside and thus cut the tongue. If sharp teeth 

 be suspected, place a twitch on the horse's nose. While an 

 assistant holds the twitch, raise the head slightly and draw 

 the tongue forward to one side with one hand, hold the cheek 

 out with the other. Notice whether or not the tongue and 

 cheek are cut, and also whether the edges of the teeth are 

 very sharp. If such be the case the horse's mouth requires 

 floating (filing of the teeth). This operation is easily per- 

 formed. Leave the twitch adjusted and place a speculum in 

 the mouth to hold it open. Run a float or tooth rasp along 

 the outer edge of the upper and along the inner edge of the 

 lower teeth, several times. It is not well to do too much 

 filing, just enough to take off the sharp edges and thus 

 prevent them from' cutting the tongue and cheek. If filed too 

 much, the grinding of hay or other hard feed is interfered 

 with. 



6. Decayed Teeth (Caries). 



Decayed teeth are not so often found in the horse as in 

 the human being. Horses seldom, if ever, suffer from 

 toothache. 



Causes. — It generally results from the biting of some 

 hard substance, thus either breaking or cracking the outer 

 covering of the pulp, which being exposed soon commences 

 to decay. 



Symptoms. — A horse affected with decayed teeth is 

 unable to properly masticate his food. While eating he sud- 

 denly throws the food out of his mouth, fumbles his tongue 

 about a little, then begins again. Should the water be cold, 

 he will take a long time to drink, being compelled to stop 

 several times in drinking a pailful. When being driven he 

 holds his head to one side, favoring that side in which the 

 decayed tooth is situated. His breath smells bad and he falls 



