REPORT ON THE DISEASES OF FAEM HORSES. 343 



Prevention. — Maintain the functions of the foot by regular 

 and systematic shoeing. 



Sandcrack is another result of hoof neglect and reduction. 

 It consists in a splitting or cracking of the hoof from above 

 downwards, and by allowing of the interposition of the sensitive 

 laminae within during its expansion gives rise to excruciating 

 pain and lameness. 



In the fore feet these cracks are sometimes located at the 

 quarters, in the hind at the toes, but these are by no means regular. 



Treatment. — Use blistering ointment to the^coronet once every 

 week, or apply the actual cautery across the top of the crack, 

 taking care that the sensitive portions are nearly reached, and 

 afterwards apply the blister ointment, and allow the animal rest. 

 If properly managed, nothing more is required beyond caring for 

 the hoof, adopting a proper system of shoeing, and the use of 

 hoof ointment, consisting of mutton suet, Barbadoes tar, and 

 olive oil, in equal parts. 



SPRAINS — LAMENESS. 



Sprains occur to farm horses as a result of hard drawing at 

 heavy weights, and other accidental causes. They may consist 

 of laceration of the fibre of muscle, tendon, or ligaments, and 

 give rise to more or less severe pain and lameness. The most 

 common seats of lameness arising from the sprain of muscle are 

 loins, shoulder, and some portions of the extremities. Lame- 

 ness from sprain of tendons and ligaments are located in the 

 lower parts of the extremities, at the hip, point of shoulder, 

 elbow, stifle, and most joints. 



The indications are heat, pain, and sometimes swelling, with 

 inability to use the affected part, with halting more or less. In 

 affections of these kinds the leading symptoms of mal-action are 

 as follows : — 



In the Hip. — The toe of the hind foot on the side affected, is 

 dragged along the ground. 



Shoulder. — The whole limb is carried and dragged, the toe 

 also touching the ground. 



Elbow. — The weight cannot be borne, the limb is flexed, and 

 during movement often carried in advance. 



Stifle. — The limb is carried outwards in a swinging manner. 

 If the loins are affected there is a reeling, staggering gait of hind 

 limbs, and signs of weakness. 



In other joints, besides the indications first mentioned, there 

 is a difficulty of standing on the affected member, the joint is 

 usually flexed to save the parts involved, the toe resting on the 

 ground under the body, or but slightly in advance if a forefoot. 



To understand lameness, the sciences of anatomy and physiology 

 are needed, and it is impossible here to go farther into such asubject. 



