CHAPTER X. 



FRACTURED JAWS. 



How Caused, and how to Distingnisli an Abrasion of the Gums 

 from a Fracture of the Bone. — Replacing an Eye, Amputa- 

 ting part of a Lower Jaw, taking a Fractured Tooth and 

 Bones out through the Nostril, &c. 



Fractures of the jaws of the horse are of common 

 occurrence. They may exist independently, but they 

 are ofton complicated with and the cause of diseases of 

 the teeth. Caries of the jawbone proper, and even 

 some of the facial bones, is often communicated to the 

 alveoli, and when necrosis ensues the destruction of 

 the teeth is inevitable. This is as true in the case of 

 the horse as in that of man. 



The rami (brandies) of the lower jaw are common 

 seats of fracture, a frequent cause of which is the use 

 of sharp curved bits; but rough usage by the rider or 

 driver will now and then cause fractures even with a 

 smooth bit. As a rule, at first, the gums only are 

 affected; but in a short time the periosteum and bone 

 are reached. Prof Varnell says : '• If the matter that 

 escapes be of a grayish-brown color and fetid, it will 

 indicate disease of the bone ; but if it is from a sub- 

 cutaneous abscess, the discharge will be simply of a 

 purulent nature, and a speedy cure may be effected by 

 the application of very simple remedies." 



