152 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



overgrows the heels of the shoe and causes the shoe to press on the 

 sole. 



Symptoms. Lameness may or may not be present. When present, 

 there is heat and tenderness in the injured quarter. Upon removal 

 of the superficial layers of the sole at the seat of .the injury, the 

 deeper layers will be seen to be of a reddish or purplish color: Should 

 suppuration threaten, lameness becomes well marked, the foot is 

 quite hot, and the use of the tester causes great pain. If not relieved, 

 the pus may break through the tissues immediately above the horn, 

 usually at the bulb of the heel. 



Treatment. Level the foot and correct any faults that may be 

 detected. Trim away the bearing surface of the sole and wall 

 in such a manner that the shoe can not cause pressure upon 

 the diseased parts, and reshoe. If the foot is hot and painful, 

 apply cold poultices or stand the patient in cold water until the 

 inflammation subsides. This failing, apply warm poultices until 

 the horn softens and pus appears; then open well at the bottom; 

 remove all horn that is underrun by pus; cleanse the parts thor- 

 oughly; apply tincture of iodine; bandage carefully, and place the 

 patient in a clean dry stall. Dress the foot daily until lameness and 

 suppuration cease, then plug the corn with tar and oakum, and shoe 

 with a bar shoe. 



455. Cracks in the wall of the hoof. Most frequently found 

 on the inner side of the front hoofs; on the hind hoofs, usually at the 

 toe. According to location they are classified as toe cracks and 

 quarter cracks. Cracks which affect only the upper border of the 

 hoof are called coronary cracks; those affecting the lower border of the 

 hoof are called low cracks; while those extending from one border to 

 the other are called complete cracks. 



Causes. Weak quarters; excessive dryness of the hoof; lack of 

 frog pressure; contracted heels; heavy shoes; large nails; and nails 

 set too far back. Cracks which start at the bottom are usually due 

 to shoeing and are of little importance, while those that start at the 

 coronet are usually troublesome. 



Symptoms. A crack in the wall at the toe or the quarter. The 

 crack may be shallow and cause no lameness, or it may extend en- 

 tirely through the wall, injuring the sensitive structures within. 



Treatment. Remove the shoe and soften the horn by foot baths 

 or poultices. This being accomplished, cut away the overlapping 

 edges of the crack and thin the horn on each side. A bar shoe is then 

 applied, the wall beneath the crack being cut away so that it will not 

 come in contact with the shoe. A cantharides blister should then be 



