124 Diseases of the Horse. 



between the stomach and the brain, slight attacks of indi- 

 gestion frequently leading to vertigo or " staggers/^ 



As was remarked when speaking of the anatomy of the 

 digestive tract, it properly begins with the teeth and mouth , 

 and closes with the anus ; in the consideration of its diseases, 

 therefore, all the various parts and organs with which the 

 food comes in contact from its entrance to its exit from the 

 body will be discussed. 



LOCAL INFLAMMATIONS IN AND ASOTIND THE:M0UTH. 



There are quite a number of localized inflammations which 

 occur in and around the mouth, and which have received 

 meaningless names from the old English farriers, most of 

 which, however, are still preserved in one part of this country 

 or another, through the traditions of the stable. 



Symptoms. — The general symptoms which indicate that a 

 horse has some painful swelling in the mouth are a champing 

 of the jaws, a return of his food to the manger without swal^ 

 lowing it, and a loss of condition in consequence. He is 

 restless and uneasy, and sometimes there is a dribbling of 

 saliva from the mouth. 



The principal forms of these inflammations, with their 

 popular names and treatment are as follows : — 



1. Lampas, 



An active inflammation of the ridges or fleshy bars in the 

 roof of the mouth, generally occurring in a young horse 

 while shedding his teeth ; sometimes occurring in older ones 

 from overfeeding. 



The "bars'' swell so much that sometimes they project 

 below the level of the nippers, and are so tender that all hard 

 and dry food is refused. 



The proper treatment is to scarify the bars with a sharp 

 lancet ; and should this not reduce the swellings promptly. 



