Diseases of the Mouth and Tongue. 51 
While the incisors are young they are flattened on their 
sides, and bent somewhat backwards, and there is a decided 
cavity, in which a pulpy substance is enclosed. This, how- 
ever, is gradually contracted as the age of the dog increases. 
‘““M. F. Cuvier speaks of certain supernumerary teeth occasionally 
developed in each of the jaws, There is much irregularity accompanying 
them, and they have even been supposed to have extended to seven or eight 
in number.”— Youatt. 
The following notes are extracted from Professor Simonds’ 
lecture on this subject :— 
“The dog, at birth, as a rule, has no teeth, but if we examine the gums we 
may plainly see the outline of them, and easily count the number, and the 
same applies to the molars, When about one month old the temporary teeth 
seem to be all complete, and cut through the gums. After that period very 
little is to be observed, except the growth of them. In the course of a very 
short time the temporary teeth may be observed giving way. It is difficult to 
say which permanent ones come first, but he (Professor Simonds), from his 
observations, believes the corner incisors and tushes do so, and not unfre- 
quently it is the same with the temporary ones. The cutting of the permanent 
teeth commences at the age of four months, and at about six months the 
animal generally has them all, and at eighteen months dentition is complete. 
Perhaps up to about a year old there is not much difficulty in telling the age 
of the dog. If properly kept the teeth will be sharp and white, without wear, 
because if fed on soft food they would be preserved much longer (?); while on 
the other hand, if the meal consists of bones and hard food, they will be worn 
away much sooner, and ‘seeing these things, we must judge accordingly. At 
three years old, as a rule, they will present a worn surface; beyond this we 
have nothing more to guide us.” ; 
Practical knowledge, however, and a constant study of 
canine dentition will enable one to approximate very closely 
the age of a dog up to 5 or 6 years, and this is of great 
importance with exhibition animals under the non-cropping 
rule. In the ring the closest scrutiny of the mouth, especially 
the upper incisors, should be exercised ; and if any doubt 
exists as to the age, the case should be referred to an expert 
canine veterinary surgeon. 
DECAYED TEETH. 
Sound teeth are essential to the comfort, health, and 
