AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. 249 



nallj thrice daily in doses of one to four grains, following 

 any special indications as to the rest. 



The Teeth. If tartar tends to collect, alter the food, 

 and, if necessary, the general management. It may be 

 judicious to feed less, or to feed at more frequent intervals 

 and in small quantities. Sometimes a good fast will be 

 beneficial. Each case must be studied and treated accord- 

 ing to its indications. Hard biscuits, crusts, and bones 

 tend to clean the teeth. After removal of the greater 

 part of the tartar with appropriate instruments, a brush 

 and powdered charcoal should be used daily. In some 

 cases this alone will suffice to restore the teeth. 



If neglected, the gums are softened, abscesses may 

 form, ulcers appear, the roots of the teeth be absorbed, 

 the periosteal lining of the bone get inflamed, etc. 



When matters get to such a pass, one or more teeth 

 may require removal, or the gums to be lanced. Ulcers 

 will need to be washed, as above indicated, for salivation, 

 or perhaps a little boracic acid or iodoform dusted on. 



Teeth may break off, leaving stumps that decay and 

 give rise to evils that threaten both the gums and bone. 

 Such roots should be extracted with suitable instruments, 

 the dog usually requiring to be anaesthetized. 



Coarse instruments and unpracticed hands are out of 

 place about the mouth of the dog. The veterinary sur- 

 geon will get some hints as to what he needs by an in- 

 spection of the tools used by our modern dentists with 

 their matchless outfit. In puppies the first teeth some- 

 times do not drop out in time, but are in the way and 

 turn the permanent ones aside. They should be re- 

 moved. 



