LAMPAS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 169, 22 August 1914, Page 2

LAMPAS.

By this is meant a swollen condition of the palate, immediately behind the upper incisors. In young horses it is visually due to shedding of the temporary teeth and the appearance of the permanent teeth. In older animals, with whom it is very uncommon, it may be the result of digestive trouble or of feverishness. The swelling often causes this part to rise nearly the same level as the edge of the teeth, causing difficulty in taking food or in masticating it. Very little treatment is necessary. If the horse is running out, with plenty o£ good grass, no special feeding is required.- If stabled, soft food should be given in the shape of bran mashes. A dose of laxative medicine is nearly always beneficial, and a little dry burnt alum may be rubbed on. If this is not efficacious, ioz of bicarbonate of potash in the drinking water twice daily may be allowed. On no account permit burning, which is extremely cruel, and not necessary. A veterinary surgeon will sometimes scarify the inflamed part, but an inexperienced hand may pierce a blood vessel, and fatal cases have been known to result from haemorrhage.