152 ("ARK AND TKAIXIXG OF TROTTEKS AM) PACERS. 



the lower molars in time becoming long and sharp 

 and interfere with proper mastication. This neces- 

 sitates having the teeth "floated" (filed down) 

 once a year after the horse is seven years of age. 



The first step, therefore, in seeking to cure the 

 chronic indigestion alluded to is to have the teeth 

 put in good order by a veterinary dentist. To go 

 back a little, it should be mentioned that as a rule 

 in practice we find most of these cases in barns 

 that are close from poor ventilation, dirty from 

 lack of cleaning and damp from improper drain- 

 age of the building site or from inadequate meas- 

 ures adopted for removal or absorption of liquid 

 excreta. We also find the same condition existing 

 where horses are given very hard water to drink, 

 where sewage impregnates the drinking water, 

 and where drinking water is habitually given after 

 instead of before feeding. 



The teeth having been attended to, the next 

 thing is to stop bolting of the food, and for this 

 purpose practical horsemen place the feed in an 

 extra large, shallow feed box or put a few cobble 

 stones in the feed box or mix a handful of old, 

 dry, hard shelled corn or field peas among the 

 oats or use one of the patent boxes. 



To stimulate secretion of saliva, rock salt should 

 be kept before the horse at all times, and when 

 this is done he will drink more water and should 

 always have it before but not after feeding. 



