ON SHOEING. 55 



is convex. The caution against applying a hot 

 shoe, is particularly necessary to be attended to 

 in the present case. 



CONTRACTED HOOF 



Consists of a contraction of the heels of 

 the hoof, and is, most indubitably, the offspring 

 of bad shoeing {vide plate 6, Jig. 1). Other cir- 

 cumstances, however, may concur in producing 

 it, such as a natural disposition to heat in the 

 foot, increased by standing in the stable, or 

 running thrushes, or it may be brought on by 

 the horse's not pressing on the foot, in con- 

 sequence of lameness in any other part of the 

 leg. 



When the contraction exists to a great de- 

 gree, a perfect cure is not to be obtained. 

 Hence the necessity of counteracting it on its 

 first appearance. Contraction in the hoof can- 



E 4- not 



