CHAPTER II. 



DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 



Examination.— Examination of the teeth can be done by 

 elevating the lips, which readily exposes them, or by the use 

 of tapes or a mouth speculum to hold the mouth open (see 

 examination of the mouth). Careful inspection should be 

 made for malformations, fractures, incrustations of tartar 

 and disease conditions. 



MALFORMATIONS OF THE TEETH. 



These are not common in small animals, only occasionally 

 being seen as distortions of the skull bones so affecting the jaws 

 that the teeth do not meet in proper relationship. This may 

 result in excessively long teeth. A few instances of defective 

 dentition are recorded. They are important only when they 

 interfere with mastication and subsequent nutrition. Breeding 

 has been carried to such an extent with some breeds (English 

 bull, etc.) as to amount almost to a malformation of the max- 

 illae with unusual relationship of the teeth in some individuals. 

 Birds occasionally have a deformity of the beak rendering 

 prehension of food difficult. 



Treatment. — Surgical.— Surgical intervention is possible 

 only in rare cases to improve the appearance or condition. 

 Prescribe a suitable diet when the animal is unable to masti- 

 cate solid food (meat, etc., should be given in small pieces). 

 Long teeth may be removed or the points clipped off with 

 bone forceps. The long points of malformed beaks should 

 be so shaped, using a sharp knife, that they will assume a 

 more normal form. 



