164 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



pressure which might cause pain to the tender parts below ; 

 and it must be bound up, taking care to avoid pressure 

 immediately beneath the crack. Neither must the shoe be 

 allowed to press upon the part below. 



Should lameness proceed from the crack having pene- 

 trated through the hoof, the cure is much more difficult. 

 The first thing to be done is to examine the parts, to ascer- 

 tain whether any sand or dirt has got in and has reached 

 the quick below, and the crack thoroughly cleaned out 

 If proud-flesh is found in it, an application of chloride 

 of antimony must be used to destroy it, and the edges 

 of the crack must be considerably thinned. Some veteri- 

 nary surgeons have used the cautery ; but this has a tendency 

 to thicken the edges of the horn and render it rough, which 

 is liable to irritate the tender portions below. After the 

 fungus has been destroyed, it will be necessary to apply 

 the iron above and below, as recommended in a superficial 

 crack. A pledget of tow should be put into the crack, and 

 another over it, and then firmly tied down, and not ex- 

 amined until the third or fourth day after. If the proud- 

 fiesh has not been eaten away, it will be necessary to apply 

 the caustic again. On the other hand,. if the crack is quite 

 dry and exhibits a hard horny crust, the pitch-plaster 

 should be immediately applied. Bees'-wax is considered 

 preferable by some, and the crack carefully filled with it. 

 The wax must be applied warm ; and to fill the crack pro- 

 perly, it is necessary to draw the heated cautery slightly 

 over it. This gentle pressure will contribute to the healthy 

 granulation of fresh horn, and at the same time prevent 

 the access of sand or dirt, and also cold or wet, or the 

 influence of the atmosphere from reaching the tender parts 

 of the foot. 



The worst case of crack is caused by tread, which divides 



