IRREGULARITIES OF THE TEETH 



199 



the feed. "When all of the molars are in this condition, a nibbing 

 sound may be noted when the animal is masticating hay. After 

 attempting to chew the hay, it may be dropped from the mouth. 

 Innutrition always occurs. 



The treatment consists in feeding chops and soft feeds. 



Dental Diseases. — Inflammation of the alveolar periosteum 

 is a common dental disease in domestic animals. This is an 

 inflammation of the alveolar dental membrane that fixes the 

 tooth in the tooth cavity. 



Fig. 57. — Fistula of jaw. This condition was the result of neglected treatment 

 of decayed teeth. 



Injuries to the gums and cracks or fissures in the tooth are 

 the common causes. Caries or tooth decay is not uncommon. 

 The predisposing factor is a poor quality of enamel and dentine. 

 The process of decay is assisted by micro organisms. 



The early symptoms may escape notice. Slobbering, masti- 

 cating on one side, holding the head to one side, retained masses 

 of food in the mouth and a disagreeable odor frequently occur. 

 Caries may be indicated at first by a dark spot on the table of 

 the tooth, later by a cavity. In horses, inflammation of the 



