SAND-CRACK. 163 



the hoof ill the liind feet, occasioned by the pressure a})plied 

 by the toe in progressive motion, especially when the animal 

 is dragging a heavy load behind him, and more particularly 

 on an ascent. 



Hoofs that crack in this manner are brittle in the crust, 

 which is an extremely bad defect, and is caused by a want 

 of that nutriment necessary to keep the crust supple. It 

 also proceeds from disease in the foot. It may besides occur 

 from a false step or over-exertion. 



Sometimes the crack is only superficial, and does not 

 extend through the hoof, in Avhich case it occasions no 

 lameness. It will, however, require attention, as, if neglect- 

 ed, it may reach the quick, and occasion much trouble. 



Remedies. — When sand-crack is occasioned by brittleness 

 of the hoof, let the following composition be rubbed into 

 the crust twice a day until it becomes pliable : — 

 Oil of tar . . .2 ounces, 

 Common fish-oil . . 4 ounces. 



To assist in softening the hoof wiiile the above ointment 

 is used, cow-dung or felt should be applied to stop the foot, 

 as recommended in contraction of the hoof, page 157. In 

 a superficial crack it should be pared and rasped entirely 

 out ; and if it has been of considerable depth, it ought to 

 be strengthened by a coating of pitch, applied so thick as 

 to replace all that has been rasped oiF, and formed so as to 

 represent the natural shape of the foot. Indeed rasping 

 oudit to be had recourse to with every crack, so as to 

 ascertain its depth. Should it be found to penetrate through 

 the crust without occasioning lameness, and is situated low 

 down on the foot, recourse must be had to a red-hot firing 

 iron, which should })e drawn across the hoof, both above 

 and below the crack, so as to prevent it from extending. 

 The edges ought thereafter to be tliinned, to prevent any 



