360 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



Wolf-teeth. — Wolf-teeth are those small supernumerary 

 teeth which make their appearance just anterior to the first 

 molar, and are popularly supposed to cause serious disorders 

 of the eye, and even blindness ; but as a general thing 

 they do no harm ; in rare cases, they may possibl}^ cause 

 a very slight irritation of the eye. If it is desired to 

 remove them, a small pair of forceps should be used for 

 the purpose. 



CHAPTER Xy. 



INJURIES, ETC., IN THE REG-ION OF THE MOUTH. 



The lips are sometimes lacerated ; the treatment is the 

 same as though the wound had occurred in any other part : 

 as little tissue as possible should be removed, the parts 

 brought together by means of sutures, and a mild astringent 

 lotion used daily. 



Abscesses. — -Abscesses sometimes occur in connection 

 with the lips, and more particularly in connection with the 

 upper lip, as a result of a bruise of the part, or the presence 

 of a foreign body, as a thorn or splinter in the lip ; or it 

 may be caused by coming into contact with poisonous 

 weeds, etc. The symptoms are the same as those pre- 

 sented by an abscess in any other part of the body, as 

 pointing, fluctuation, etc. 



Treatment. — At the proper time the abscess should be 

 opened, and its contents allowed to escape ; after which it 

 should be cleansed with tepid water, and dressed daily 

 with an astringent or anodyne lotion. 



Frsenum Linguae, Injury of. — The frsenum linguae may be 

 injured by violent jDulling against the bit, suddenly checking 

 the animal whilst travelling rapidly, and more especially if 

 done in a rough manner, and while using a very severe bit. 

 A foreign body may cause a great deal of irritation, and 



