( ARIOUS TEETH. 357 



is one of the molars of the upper jaw, it will work its way 

 back into the frontal sinus. 



Treatment. — The only method of affording relief to the 

 animal is removal of the tooth. In some cases this is found 

 to be a matter of considerable difficulty, especially if it is 

 the fifth or sixth molar that is diseased, and the tooth is 

 sunk in its socket, in which case it is difficult to grasp it 

 securely with the jaws of the forceps. The key is some- 

 times used, but there are far better instruments for the 

 purpose, notably Gowing's tooth-forceps ; but they are so 

 powerful that unless great care is exercised in using them 

 the tooth may be crushed or broken off, and its subsequent 

 extraction rendered difficult. Occasionally a tooth may be 

 met with which the forceps are unable to grasp; such cases, 

 however, are very rare. In all cases where a molar tooth 

 is to be extracted it is advisable to cast the animal ; and 

 when it is desired to remove the third molar or any of those 

 posterior to it, casting becomes absolutely necessary for the 

 proper performance of the operation. Having cast and 

 secured him, a balling-iron or mouth-speculum must be used 

 to keep the mouth open, and allow the operator to see 

 what he is doing. The affected tooth being found, the jaws 

 of the forceps should be placed over it and tightened, the 

 operator being careful not to crush the tooth, and also 

 seeing that none of the soft tissues are grasped by the 

 jaws of the forceps. The tooth should be extracted by a 

 steady pull or turn of the forceps, all jerking being 

 avoided as likely to break it. After the tooth is 

 extracted, the balling-iron should at once be removed 

 from the mouth and the animal allowed to rise, and 

 have his head in its natural position, as in case there is 

 any considerable haemorrhage some of the blood might 

 otherwise escape into the trachea and cause serious results. 

 If after an examination it is thought that the tooth cannot 



