masticating the feed because of injury to the cheeks or tongue by the sharp
points of enamel. This condition may be indicated by holding the head to
one side. Salivation is usually present. Acute indigestion and innutrition
may occur.

By examining the teeth, their condition can be determined. The sharp
borders may be removed by dressing or floating the teeth. It is advisable
in the majority of horses to float the teeth at least once in every twelve
months.

IRREGULARITIES IN THE TABLE SURFACE OF THE MOLAR TEETH.--Horses eight years
of age or older frequently have irregular molars (Fig. 56). This is due
very largely to the difference in the quality of the teeth. The harder
molars do not wear off as rapidly as the softer ones. This results in the
table surfaces of the rows of molars becoming wavy or step-like in outline.
Sometimes the first or sixth molar overhangs or projects beyond the
corresponding tooth of the opposite jaw. When this occurs, the over-hanging
portion may become long and sharp. A molar tooth becomes excessively long
if the opposite one is decayed or removed.

_The symptoms_ are very much the same as when the borders of the molars
are sharp.

[Illustration: FIG. 56.--Teeth showing uneven wear occurring in
old horses.]

_The treatment_ consists in levelling the tables as frequently as necessary
by cutting off the longer projections, and removing the sharp edges with a
tooth float.