DISLOCATION OF THE LOWER JAW. 347 



quently suffer ; the first often, from being struck by the hind foot 

 of the animal they are pursuing. Dislocation is frequently com- 

 plicated with fracture. Sometimes it is confined to one side, but 

 double-sided luxations also occur, thus resembling the condition 

 usual in man. 



Symptoms and course. The mouth hangs open, and can neither 

 be closed voluntarily nor by external assistance. Salivation, pro- 

 trusion of the tongue, and inability to eat are also present. Some- 

 times the ball of the eye is pushed forward by pressure of the 

 dislocated coronoid process (exophthalmus). In one-sided dislocation 

 the jaw hangs towards the sound side. The condition may be mis- 

 taken for paralysis of the lower jaw, and for the presence of foreign 

 bodies in the mouth or between the teeth. But in paralysis, the 

 lower jaw is passively movable, and the mouth can be closed by 

 pressure, whilst the presence of foreign bodies is determined by local 

 examination. As in rabies the mouth often hangs open very much 

 as in luxation of the jaw, care should be observed in making the 

 local examination. A favourable course is insured if professional 

 assistance is sought early and no complications exist ; but recur- 

 rences nevertheless occur, and animals should therefore not be used 

 for some time after apparent recovery. Where much bleeding has 

 taken place into the orbit, replacement of the prolapsed eye some- 

 times proves difficult. 



Reduction is most easily effected by inserting a stick about § of 

 an inch in thickness transversely into the mouth and pushing it well 

 back. The operator then seizes the front of both jaws and presses 

 them together, the stick acting as a fulcrum to the two-armed lever. 

 The coronoid process is thus drawn downwards, and can be brought 

 into normal position by pushing the dislocated jaw sideways towards 

 the middle line. In small animals both jaws are seized, and the 

 dislocated coronoid process moved first downward and then back- 

 ward ; but care is required to avoid being bitten, and for this reason 

 the first method deserves preference. Recurrence is prevented by 

 giving soft food, prohibiting bones, and applying a muzzle. 



(4.) INFLAMMATION OF THE ARTICULATION OF THE JAW. 



This articulation, on account of its exposed position, is often 

 wounded or injured by blows or " kicks," and purulent inflammation 

 so caused. Cellulitis affecting neighbouring structures may extend 

 to the joint, or it may become inflamed in horses which, in consequence 

 of painful affections, lie continuously (decubitus). Gurlt found the 



