ANIMAL DENTISTRY. 211 



In one case a tack was found firmly lodged in the infundibu- 

 lum of the lateral superior incisor. 



Diagnosis — Attention is attracted to disturbed mastica- 

 tion, rejection of partially masticated food, disinclination to 

 eat, ptyalism and later to the fetor caused by pressure necro- 

 sis, and the decomposition of food. 



Treatment — Removal of the object followed by irriga- 

 tions of the mouth with solution of borax, alum or boric acid. 



FRACTURE OF THE INFERIOR MAXILLA. 

 Varieties : 



(i) Simple fracture of the neck of one ramus. 



(2) Simple fracture of the neck of both rami. 



(3) Simple fracture of one ramus along the molar 



arcade. 



(4) Fracture of the angle without dental complica- 



tions. 



(5) Comminuted fracture along the molar arcade. 



(6) Fracture near the articulation. 



Etiology — Kicks from horses sustained as the victim is 

 walking through the stable aisle is the most common cause 

 of fractures of the inferior maxilla. Collisions with vehicles 

 and cars and other forms of violence seldom fracture this 

 bone. Solutions in the continuity of the ramus from bit 

 gnathitis is an occasional cause (see page 214). And finally 

 too forcible blows on a misdirected punch while repulsing 

 teeth occasionally fractures the jaw. In the dog and cat 

 the bite sustained during a fight is the chief cause of this 

 injury. 



Symptoms — The diagnosis of fractured inferior maxilla 

 is by no means a simple matter under all circumstances. The 

 subject is usually presented several days after the accident, at 

 which time the tumefaction will require differentiation from 

 other diseased condition characterized by enlargement of 



