DEEANGEMETTTS OP THE TEETH. 301 



while the gums, which may probably be red and inflamed, 

 should be freely lanced and scarified. Sometimes the energetic 

 application of a sharp tooth-rasp will remove the sheU-Kke 

 growths of one or more of the temporary molar teeth, the 

 presence of which growth wiU be sufficient to cause a distur- 

 bance to the health of the animal. 



Many of these cases are of a puzzling character, especially 

 to yotmg practitioners, who cannot be too cautious before pro- 

 nouncing an opinion. Certain writers have designated the 

 state in question as that of "breeding Strangles" — an opinion 

 by no means very flattering to their practical skill, if by it they 

 mean a peculiar or spedfie fever which terminates in Abscess 

 of the sub-maxillary apace. 



Should the state of the animal not improve from lancing 

 the gums or removing the temporary teeth, recourse must be 

 had to other means — such as counter-irritation to the cheeks 

 and to the sub-maxiUary region. One of the best agents for this 

 purpose is the Biniodide of Mercury mixed with lard, in th& 

 proportion of half a drachm of the drug to an ounce of lard, 

 A little of this should be rubbed upon the cheeks, immediately 

 over the fangs of the molar teeth, and also within the sub- 

 maxiUary space. The irritant is to be repeated until soreness 

 of the skin is produced. 



The best remedies, in general, to administer internally are 

 Sesquichloride of Iron, and Tincture of Capsicum — the former 

 of which may be administered in 2-drachm doses mixed with 

 half a pint of water, and given every niorning ; and the latter 

 in 2-drachm doses of the 1st dilution, mixed with a like quan- 

 tity of water, and given every night. 



Diet. — The diet should consist of boiled oats and bran, 

 carrots, swede turnips, and hay. Should the animal refuse 



