84 MANUAL FOR ARMY HORSESHOERS. 



INJURIES OF CORONET AND HEELS (tREADS). 



81. These are caused by the animal overreaching — ^that is, strik- 

 ing the heel of the front foot by the toe of the hind foot. Cavalry 

 horses and lead and swing artillery horses are likely to be stepped 

 upon by the animals following when the column is brought to a sud- 

 den stop. They are also caused by the animal resting the heel cf 

 one foot on the coronet of another, by stepping upon and thus bruising 

 or wounding the coronet, and by contact with hard or sharp objects. 



Symptoms — Lameness is usually present. The skin is lacer- 

 ated at the heel or coronet and the parts are sensitive. There is 

 frequently a separation of the hard and soft structures. These 

 wounds, especially those at the quarter and toe, are usually severe 

 and badly infected, and hence dangerous because they are so close 

 to the important underlying structures (joints, tendons, etc.). They 

 require close attention. 



Treatment — Remove all loosened portions of horn and dress as 

 a wound. Repeat twice daily and protect by foot bandage. 



PUNCTURES OP THE FROG AND SOLE—PRICKS IN SHOEING. 



83. Causes — Punctui-es of the frog and sole are caused by the 

 animal stepping on nails, glass, sharp sticks, etc. Pricks in shoeing 

 are of two kinds: 



(a) From the nails being driven into the soft structures, causing 

 immediate lameness. 



(6) From the nails being driven too close, causing a bulging of the 

 inner layer of horn and pressure on the soft structures. Lameness 

 may be in evidence at once, but usually develops slowly and may 

 not appear for several days. 



Symptoms. — Lameness, more or less severe. If the animal has 

 been recently shod always suspect the nails. Clean the foot thor- 

 oughly and remove the nails one at a time, examining each nail for 

 moisture. Test each hole with the hoof tester or pincers; when the 

 sore spot is pressed the horse will flinch. If the nails are all right 

 examine the rest of foot thoroughly in the same manner. 



Treatment. — ^Whether an old or recent wound, trim the horn 

 from about it to establish drainage, clean the wound thoroughly 

 with a strong antiseptic solution and apply an antiseptic dressing. 

 This may be applied as a wet pack, that is, cotton saturated with, 

 the antiseptic or a poultice made with a strong antiseptic solution. 

 If the pus burrows under the wall and escapes at the coronet, the 



