EXAMINATION OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS 13 



dog on his side or, what is better, directly on his back and throw the light 

 into the cavity of the mouth. The mouth and a large part of the throat 

 can then be easily examined. In nervous or uneasy animals we can 

 use a speculum (Fig. 5) or a gag if the mouth has to be kept open for 

 some time; it is best to use a gag which can be placed between the teeth 

 on one side, or by means of a wedge-shaped piece of wood. In certain 



Fig. 4. — Holding the mouth open with tapes. 



operations of the interior of the mouth and teeth a wooden bar held in 

 place by means of a chain is used (Fig. 6). When the deeper portions 

 of the mouth and throat are to be examined the mouth is opened, and by 

 means of the finger, a spatula, or the handle of a spoon, the tongue is 

 depressed. A good view of the posterior of the throat can be obtained by 

 grasping the tongue with forceps and pulling it forward. 



In cases where the mouth remains partially open, the animal being 

 unable to close it, we must examine it very carefully, as it may be a 

 symptom of rabies; of some brain disease; secondai'y stages of distemper; 

 in some bacterial poisons, severe injury of the mouth or in fracture of the 



