29 
DISEASE OF THE TEETH. 
By “Caustic.” 
Sir, — I HAVE just concluded the perusal of Mr. Mayhew’s 
valuable work on “The Horse’s Mouth, shewing the Age by the 
Teeth.” I am sure the members of our profession are deeply in- 
debted to its author for his persevering researches into that hitherto 
neglected department of veterinary science : it has earned for him 
a lasting reputation. I hope, I feel no reason to doubt, that, even 
in a pecuniary point of view, he will be benefited. 
I know Mr. Mayhew too well to think for a moment that he will 
consider what I am about to notice as an attempt to detract from 
the merits of his work. At pages 144 and 145 of his Manual, he 
points out irregularity of the molar teeth as a serious disease, from 
its being the cause of an accumulation of food in the interspaces 
between them. The gums inflame, the animal falls away in con- 
dition, and in some cases, doubtless, the consequences may lead to 
destruction of life. With this I fully concur. But, with regard to 
the treatment of such cases, he appears in this solitary instance 
unable to assist us ; I therefore venture to make known to him and 
your readers the method I adopt under such circumstances. With 
this view I select one case from among many in illustration, in 
hopes that it may be found of service in practice. 
July 14 th } 1849. — A remarkably fine grey wagon-horse, six 
years old, was sent to my infirmary, with bad eyes. They in- 
formed me he had lately fallen away in condition ; had little ap- 
petite; was very weak and dull at work, and for the last week 
had had an affection of the eyes. I found he could see but little ; 
that the membrana conjunctiva was inflamed ; and that there was 
great intolerance of light, weeping of the eyes, drooping eyelids, 
and that peculiar triangular appearance of them observable in 
periodic ophthalmia. The pulse high, and of a character indicative 
of pain. 
According to my usual practice in occult disease of the eyes, I 
made a careful examination of the teeth — a plan, by the by, I have 
had no reason to regret — and discovered a large cud of hay firmly 
impacted between the two posterior molar teeth on the near side 
of the lower jaw, occasioned by the irregular formation of the 
same. I with great difficulty removed the offending agent, and 
then found that a large hole had formed between the body and 
fangs of these teeth. The stench from this aperture was very bad; 
chemical action was going on ; the pressure must have been great ; 
