CARIES OF THE TEETH 109 



incrustation gradually increases, it causes separation of the 

 gums from the teeth and this leads to suppuration of the peri- 

 dental membrane at the neck of the tooth, and, as the process 

 continues, the entire membrane becomes involved. 



Pathology.— The affected tooth is loosened, slightly raised 

 from its alveolus, and, from disturbance to the vessels and 

 nerves leading to loss of nutrition, it becomes discolored 

 (dark or yellowish.) Injury to a tooth with exposure of the 

 peridental membrane may also lead to a similar condition 

 but in this case only one or a few teeth are affected while in 

 the former several, or in severe cases the entire set is lost. 



Symptoms.— The animal either refuses food or takes only 

 a small amount and this very carefully. Saliva flows freely 

 and the mouth emits a foul odor. The gums are dark red 

 (livid), swollen and bleed easily. Ulcerative stomatitis 

 often accompanies this condition. 



Treatment.— Extract all loose teeth and remove incrusta- 

 tions from the others. Disinfect the mouth daily with anti- 

 septic solutions (potassium permanganate 1-250), or by 

 direct application of tincture of myrrh to the gums. Extrac- 

 tion may be accomplished by the use of dental forceps, a 

 mouth speculum being necessary to open the mouth when 

 molars are to be extracted but not necessary for the incisors. 

 Grasp the tooth as far up the root as possible and for single 

 fanged teeth, loosen with half turn twist each way, and molars 

 with a pressure alternately inward and outward, care being 

 taken to avoid breaking the roots. General anesthesia 

 should be used when the animal is vicious. 



CARIES OF THE TEETH. 



Definition.— Caries is the true decomposition or disinte- 

 gration of the dental tissues. It is rare in small animals. 



Etiology.— The process always commences on the surface 

 of the tooth where the enamel is inferior or damaged, or at 

 protected parts of the tooth where food particles lodge and 

 decompose. 



Pathology.— The point where this begins may or may 

 not be discolored, and as the dentin is disintegrated more 



