IN HERBIVOROUS ANIMALS. 229 
It seldom requires more than two or three well-directed blows 
even for the thickest teeth to be shot out. 
When it is the first molars, either superiorly or inferiorly, that 
require the operation, there is a precaution very necessary to be 
observed, if it is not desirable to loosen the tooth in its alveole. 
In this case, instead of ‘‘jumping” out the tooth at one strong 
blow, it should be chiselled down by a series of light blows until 
it arrives at the proper level. If, in fact, the gouge be placed too 
near the root of the organ, it might happen that, instead of being 
broken, it would be violently shaken in the alveole, and suffer 
considerable luxation. 
The indications are similar for one or more teeth, and for those 
situated either above or below. When the last molar is to be 
operated upon, it is necessary that the operator be perfectly 
master of the gouge at the moment of its being struck, lest in 
escaping it might strike against the velum palati, and cut it 
through. 
Immediately after the operation, the speculum oris should be 
removed and the animal’s head liberated, who, by his champing 
and reiterated undulatory movements of the tongue, rejects the de- 
tached fragments. 
When it is necessary to cast the animal for the operation the 
head should be maintained resting on the occiput, and the ma- 
noeuvres of the operation are similar to those just mentioned. But 
we cannot be too rapid in disengaging the head immediately after 
the blow which has broken the tooth, for in the position in which 
the head is placed, the fragment has a tendency to fall into the 
depth of the mouth, and may be swallowed. Whether the ope- 
ration is to be performed on one or a number of teeth, above or 
below, or on one or the other side at the same time, the manoeuvres 
are the same, and do not demand any particular indications. 
As to the irregularity of the jaw which results from an excess 
in the length of one of the arcades over the other, the latter being 
almost completely worn to the level of the gums, there is not any 
remedy for such a deformity, it being generally the ordinary con- 
sequence of excessive old age. 
It sometimes happens that the bony and fleshy structures of 
the mouth are not well proportioned, and very evil consequences 
then result when the animal is put into work, especially if the 
tongue is too large for the space between the branches of the 
maxillae. A remarkable case of this kind lately came under our 
observation in a horse, the property of the Earl of Clonmel. The 
animal was a remarkably fine one, but a very hard puller, in con- 
sequence of the bit not coming in sufficient contact with the 
sensitive bars : and also, besides, the transversal distance of the 
VOL XVII. H h 
