gg,, ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



and consequent finding of whole grain in the dung ; indigestion, ua 

 thrifty t^tate of the hair and skin, irritability, loss of condition, generally 



with swelling of the legs ; swelling of the 

 jaw-bone about the carious tooth, quidding of 

 the partially chewed hay, accumulation of food 

 around the tooth, and between it and the cheek. 



What to do. — Put a balling iron in the 

 horse's mouth, and examine the jaws for bro- 

 ken or decayed teeth. If suspected, tap it 

 gently. If there is inflammation, lance the 

 A HOR8K WITH TooTHACHK. affectcd parts, aud sponge with tincture of 

 myrrh. If the tooth is ulcerated, it is better 

 to extract it at once ; if not, it may be cleaned and the cavity filled with 

 gutta-percha. If tender from exposure of the nerve, it must be relieved 

 or deadened with crystalized carbolic acid and powdered opium, before 

 filling. As a rule, in extensive caries, the tooth may be extracted. If 

 so, the opposing tooth must be occasionally rasped down. The extract- 

 ing of teeth, however, should only be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon, 

 except in the case of loose teeth, which may be extracted with a large 

 pair of forceps. 



V. Scurvy of the Teeth. 



Old horses are subject to deposit of calcareous matter, by which the 

 teeth become ridged with a white scurf, extending down upon the gums, 

 inflaming them and keeping them sore. This is generally confined to the 

 front teeth. Young horses also sometimes suffer from this disability. 



Causes. — Imperfect digestion and sour stomach, evolving gases, or any 

 cause injuring the enamel of the teeth. 



What to do. — First, find if his system is in good condition, or put 

 it 80. Put a twitch on the animal's nose and with proper instruments 

 remove the incrustations. Files, scrapers and fine emery paper are the 

 means to be used, the teeth afterwards to be oiled. In ordinary cases, a 

 stiff brush and a mixture of tartaric acid and salt will do it ; rubbing 

 afterwards with clean, hard wood ashes. Keep hard wood ashes and salt 

 where the horse may take it at will. 



VI. Stump Sucking, or Crib Biting. 



Stump sucking is when a horse rests its teeth against any projection, 

 arches its neck with spasmodic action of the throat, chest and flanks. 

 Crib-biting is when the horse seizes the crib or other hard substance be* 



