215 ANIMAL DENTISTRY. 



remove small roughened projections that might delay the 

 cicatrization. 



During the inflammatory period and until the sequestrum 

 is removed the bit must not be used, unless, w^hen the wound 

 is small, it can be adjusted at a safe distance above. 



OSTEOMATA OF THE SUPERIOR MAXILLA. 



Definition — A non-inflammatory tumefaction on the su- 

 perior maxillary of young horses, due to obstructed down- 

 ward growth of the permanent molars. 



Etiology — This abnormality occurs chiefly over the fang 

 of the third superior molar, the last of the permanent molars, 

 having temporary predecessors to erupt. At the period of 

 its eruption, three years old, it frequently finds its down- 

 ward course blocked in a wedge-shaped space, between the 

 second and fourth molars, which occupy fixed positions in 

 the jaws. The growth of the tooth in its blocked position 

 produces pressure against the skull and a tumor results. 



Pathological Anatomy — Osteoma of the maxilla is a non- 

 inflammatory growth due to a proliferation of bone cells 

 somewhat loosely arranged. Their macroscopic appearance 

 is that of dense cancellated tissue, unlike the osteophyte of 

 inflammatory origin. They are diffused over the anterior 

 end of the superior maxilla and are occasionally bilateral. 



Differential Diagnosis — They are differentiated from 

 osteo-porosis by the absence of any general symptoms, the 

 absence of any abnormality in the lower jaw and by their 

 anterior location, and from growth of traumatic origin by the 

 absence of heat, pain or swelling of the soft tissues; from 

 odontomata by the age of the patient. 



Symptoms and Treatment— (See abnormal eruptions, 

 page 175). 



CARCINOMATA OF THE PALATE. 



The palate of the horse, opposite the fourth, fifth and 

 sixth molars, is frequently the seat of carcinomatous growths. 



