24 
TREATMENT OF TENDER-MOUTHED HORSES. 
(2) Should the force be greater the mucous membrane itself may be 
bruised or wounded. Simple bruises without penetration are seldom 
very troublesome, but actual wounds may easily lead to periostitis and 
its results (necrosis). 
(3) The severe use of sharp bits ends in disease of the periosteum 
or of the bone. Sometimes this takes the form of periostitis ossificans, 
which goes on to the formation of exostoses, often seen in the skeletons of 
old riding-horses. Purulent periostitis, always met with where the 
wound has extended to the bone, produces necrosis, which may lead to 
purulent affection of the medulla (osteomyelitis suppurativa). The 
disease products later find exit on the lower margin of the jaw, and 
necrotic portions of bone, as large as a finger, may be discharged. 
Though in such cases recovery is naturally slow, it is always complete, 
and no permanent injury is left. 
Symptoms. Attention is often first directed to an erosion of the mucous 
membrane by the excitability of the horse when reined in. Bruises 
are recognised by the local swelling, redness and pain; wounds are 
directly visible. The parts are best examined by introducing the fore¬ 
finger into the mouth; and should pain, swelling, or tears in the 
membrane be detected, the diagnosis can be confirmed by visual 
inspection. Periostitis ossificans can only be discovered by touch, 
otherwise it often remains unnoticed, the horse’s pulling being assigned 
to bad temper, either on its part or on that of its rider. Moderate 
pressure on the inflamed spot produces marked pain. Wounds in the 
mucous membrane or necrosis of the bone are easily detected with the 
finger or a metallic probe. Osteomyelitis is recognised by swelling of 
the bone, usually extending from above downwards towards the lower 
edge of the jaw. When the enlargement breaks a sanguineo-purulent 
discharge mixed with necrotic bone fragments escapes, and emits the 
peculiarly unpleasant smell of bone pus. The probe often passes 
from the lower edge of the jaw right into the mouth. Salivation and 
painful mastication, though they sometimes occur, are not essential 
characteristics. 
Treatment must be based on the anatomical changes. If the parts are 
merely abraded, it will be sufficient to rest the horse, or use a simple 
nose-band or smooth snaffle, in place of a more severe bit, until the 
epithelium has again grown, or the bit may be fixed higher in the mouth. 
In wounds of the mucous membrane, rest or absolute avoidance of bar 
bits is necessary. The parts must be cleansed after each meal, and the 
horse muzzled or tied up. The wound should subsequently be treated 
according to its character. Immediately the bone or periosteum begins 
to suffer, the bit must certainly be laid on one side. In periostitis 
ossificans recovery usually follows this treatment in a few weeks; but in 
