The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-06
Spirit of the Times.


The humane method of handling horses
mouths and operating on diseased teeth has
been confined to the last few years. While
it is still in its infancy, yet nearly all the
operations that are practiced on human
teeth are now practiced upon those of
horse.
The cavities of the teeth of the horse is
of frequent occurrence. and no part OF the
tooth is exempt from this disease. 1t may
attack the external surface OF the crown,
neck or root, or IL may begin In the center
gradually extend outward. The molars are
the teeth usually affected, the incisors rare
ly and the CANNES practically never suffer
from this affiicticn.
When the diseased process goes on TO
suppuration, as Ii usually does, IL the teeth
be the first or the second upper molar, ifs
tulous opening is formed into the nasal cav
ity: if the third. fourth. fifth or sixth upper
molar, the pus collects in the maxillary
sinus, causing a bullying of the face: IL the
tooth is a lower molar, the fstula usually
opens on the lower margin OF the inferior
maxilla.
When the diseased process has extended
too far to save the tooth, the tooth is ex-
tracted, and IL there be collection of pus
in the sinuses they are trepined and all
healed together. IL the cavity is small IL
is filled the same as a human tooth, with an
amalgam composed of the filings OF a mix
ture of tin and silver. combined with mer-
curry in suitable proportions.
An exostosis or bone enlargement some
times grows on the root Of a horses tooth.
Such teeth have to be extracted the
largement allows a great size. Foreign sub
stances, such as sticks OF wood and pieces
of corn cobs. frequently become lodged be-
tween the teeth or in the gums This con-
dillon Is marked by continual champing
of the jaws. excessive fow Of saliva. diff
Guilty of eating. rapid emaciation. etc.
Fractures Of the teeth are OF great annoy
ance to the horse. The fracture may be
longitudinally traversely.
A collection of tartar on the teeth causes
a constant irritation In some horses. This
is shown by the swelling OF the gums. the
loosening OF the teeth and the condition
known as lampas. when occurring in old
horses.
When the molar tooth is absent from any
cause its opposing tooth grows down and
Injuries the gum OF the opposing jaw. These
have TO be cut off or extracted. Horses or
all ages suffer more or less from long.
often found on the molar teeth. They are
situated on the inside of the lower jaw.
being. narrower than the upper one. and
the two rows OF teeth do not come In direct
opposition, leaving parts that do not come
In wear These sharp points give the horse
great pain by decorating the tongue and
cheeks.
The animal is relieved by cutting OF these
sharp projections and then smoothing with
a file. The operation can be performed
the horse without inJuring the tooth, from
the fact that the table is not covered with
enamel The gums and alveolar processes
OF horses very frequently are the seat OF
tumors and excrescences OF various kinds
varying i'm character from the most simple
fungoid or cancerous nature. But the most
pitiable sigh Is TO see horse suffering
with the excruciating and almost insupport-
able pain or an alveolar abscess.