fi DISEASES 01* 



previous writers, I came to the conclusion that a mix- 

 ture of Nonane, Hexadecane and certain fixed oils, when 

 applied daily to the horn, made a perfect protection 

 from evaporation of moisture and consequent brittleness 

 of the horn. It is now made and sold in large quanti- 

 ties as DR. HEAED'S HOOF LINIMENT, and should be used 

 by everyone who has a horse that is of necessity kept 

 from natural pastures, where the foot would be kept 

 moist by rain and dew. The advantage of using this 

 liniment instead of the ordinary tar compounds, will 

 be readily understood when it is considered that tar is an 

 acid substance, which absorbs and holds sand and dirt 

 in large quantities when brought in contact with it. 



CONTRACTED HEELS. 



This is a condition in which the hoof is smaller than 

 normal, and may exist with or without lameness. The 

 effect, however, is to canse a pressure on the bloodves- 

 sels and nerves contained in the sensitive structures in- 

 side the horn. 



Causes. Inheritance is a frequent cause. Huide- 

 koper says that a horse that is contracted, though not 

 lame, should be excluded from the stud. Hot dry 

 weather tends to diminish the quantity of moisture in 

 the horn and predisposes to a shriveling of the horny 

 fibres. We have already referred to the bad effect on 

 horn of keeping horses in the stable. This is aggravat- 

 ed if the animal is kept in the stable without exercise 

 for any great length of time. The circulation of blood 

 through the foot will be diminished, as will also the 

 amount of horn moisture. The practice of many smiths 



