NEOPLASMS OF THE GUMS AND ALVEOLI. 
57 
(c) NEOPLASMS OF THE GUMS AND ALVEOLI (EPULIS). 
Under the common title of epulis are grouped all tumours originating in 
the gum or alveolus. In former times growths due, in the horse to both- 
ryomyces, and in the ox to actinomyces, were included under the general 
designation “Epulis.” The special neoplasm is indicated thus: epulis 
sarcomatosa, carcinomatosa, &c. Dammann saw in. horses cancerous 
tumours of considerable size, which sprang from the necks of the incisois. 
Roloff has described an epulis sarcomatosa in horses and cattle, and we 
have repeatedly seen such cases both in horses and dogs. The case illus¬ 
trated (figs. 86 and 37) was a myxo-sarcoma of very rapid growth, affecting 
a mastiff bitch. Beginning on the left side of the upper jaw, it extended 
from the first canine tooth for a distance of three inches backwards, 
involving all the pre-molars and molars, across the mouth to the left side, 
causing loosening of all the molars of that side; in an upward direction 
it affected the whole of the superior maxilla on both sides. The lower 
jaw, especially on the left side, was also involved. Sections revealed 
cystic spaces filled with blood-stained fluid; the interior of the superioi 
maxilla resembled a piece of hepatised lung and the bones cut like those 
affected with osteoporosis. (A. E. Mettam, The 7 eterinarian, 1901, 
p. 129.) 
Diagnosis is not difficult. The new growth may attain such dimen¬ 
sions as to hinder mastication ; then the teeth at the affected spot 
become loose and fall out, while symptoms of alveolai penostitis aie 
present. Where in herbivora several neighbouring teeth are loose, one 
should always look for epulis formation. Keiper observed after fracture 
of the lower jaw in a foal a rapidly growing neoplasm, which he 
regarded as sarcoma. In fourteen days it attained the size of a child s 
head, and, owing to its position near the incisors, interfered with feeding. 
As it recurred after removal, the foal was killed. 
The prognosis is usually unfavourable. As soon as the new growth 
spreads beyond the alveolus its complete removal becomes very difficult. 
From any portions remaining the tumour is apt to glow again. 
Treatment consists in complete extirpation, which, owing to the position 
of the tumour, is difficult. As the operation is very painful, an anesthetic 
should be given. The growth may then be dissected out, the last traces 
being removed with the curette or actual cauteiy, Pacjuehn s foim being 
the most useful. 
(d) DENTAL TUMOURS. 
True dental tumours, odontomata, have very rarely been described in 
domesticated animals. Imminger saw an odontosarcoma in a hoise, 
succeeding to sarcoma of the jaw. Many of the “ odontomata ” recorded 
