126 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



off in condition. If the tooth be in the upper jaw and the 

 roots affected, there will sometimes be a running from that 

 nostril over the tooth. 



Treatment. — Open the mouth with a speculum, pass the 

 hand back and examine the teeth to ascertain which tooth is 

 affected. While making the examination it is always best to 

 use a twitch as it assists in keeping him quiet. When the 

 affected tooth is located remove it with a large molar forceps. 

 After pulling keep the tooth, opposite the one pulled, filed 

 down so that it will not irritate the gum of the opposite jaw. 

 Feed on soft food for a few days until the gum is healed. 

 Should the horse be in poor condition give some of the 

 following tonic powders to build him up: 



Ground Gentian Root l A pound. 



Ground Sulphate of Iron J4 pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful twice a day, in the 

 food or on the tongue with a spoon. 



7. Split Teeth. 



The molars or grinders of the upper jaw are more likely 

 to split than those of the lower jaw. It does, however, some- 

 times occur to those of the lower jaw. The split part of an 

 upper tooth generally turns to the outside and cuts the cheek 

 while that of a lower tooth generally turns to the inside and 

 cuts the tongue. 



Causes. — A split tooth is generally the result of biting 

 upon some hard substance — a nail or stone — which is taken 

 into the mouth with the food. 



Symptoms. — There is of course great difficulty in eating. 

 He is much afraid when an attempt is made to examine the 

 mouth, jerks his head back quickly and shows signs of sore- 

 ness about the jaws. Run the hand along the outside of the 

 upper jaw. A little pressure opposite the point at which the 

 split tooth is situated causes him to jerk his head back 

 quickly, an indication of the soreness at this point. When 

 eating he fumbles his food about in the mouth but in a few 

 minutes throws it only partly chewed. In a short time he 

 tries again with the same result. Place a twitch on the nose 

 and proceed to examine the mouth by drawing the tongue 

 forward and holding the cheek back with the other. Look 

 carefully back along the grinders. If the split be found in 



