IN HERBIVOROUS ANIMALS. 
239 
Complications of Operations upon the Mouth . 
One of the most ordinary complications of operations practised 
in the mouth is the excoriation of the bars, especially those of the 
lower jaw, by the friction of the speculum. 
When the jaws are forcibly separated by this instrument, the 
muscles which approach them contract with energy to overcome its 
resistance. Under the influence of this useless effort the lower 
jaw obeys with a continual movement of diduction across the infe- 
rior branch of the speculum, a movement which almost infallibly 
operates in wearing the buccal membrane upon the sharp borders 
of the bars, and even denuding the bone itself. 
This accident is often attended with serious consequences. The 
denuded bone frequently exfoliates throughout the entire extent of 
the surface which has suffered contusion, and the exfoliatory 
process may prolong itself for more than a month, during which 
time the animal is almost or entirely useless, especially if he is 
adapted to the saddle, or an irritable creature. To avoid these 
frequent consequences of the use of the speculum, it cannot be 
too strenuously recommended to envelope the transverse bars of 
this instrument with tow or other elastic matters in order to form a 
cushion at that part resting on the buccal membrane ; and, more- 
over, the different explorations of the mouth should be practised as 
quickly as possible. 
Hemorrhages. — The hemorrhages excited by operations on the 
dental apparatus are never so abundant as to be justly considered 
serious. We have never seen, neither have we heard, that even 
after the evulsion of a bad carious tooth, the bleeding was suffi- 
ciently considerable to cause inquietude. Yet there are some 
veterinary surgeons who think that the life of the animal might 
be thus compromised. If such a case should perchance occur, 
pledgets of tow, wet with a solution of nitric or sulphuric acid, stuffed 
into the alveole, would be the means indicated to arrest the flow of 
blood. 
General indication of the care demanded by animals after 
operations on the mouth. — Immediately after the performance of 
operations, whatever they may be, it is necessary to calm the irri- 
tation of the buccal membrane by the employment of acid gargles 
frequently repeated, and the wounds in the mouth should be de- 
terged from time to time with a mild solution of alum. 
Regimen. — For the first few days the diet should consist of 
well-boiled gruel, carrots, and such like matters. Fibrous aliments 
are injurious in the beginning, on account of their irritating effects 
when brought in contact with the injured and highly sensitive 
