SAND-CRACK 137 



ascertain its depth. Should it be found to pene- 

 trate through the crust without occasioning lameness, 

 and is situated low down on the foot, recourse must 

 be had to a red-hot firing iron, which should be 

 drawn across the hoof, both above and below the 

 crack, so as to prevent it from extending. The 

 edges ought thereafter to be thinned, to prevent any 

 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 

 penetrated through the hoof, the cure is much more 

 difficult. The first thing to be done is to examine 

 the parts, to ascertain 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 de- 

 stroyed, 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 examined until the third or fourth day after. 

 If the proud-flesh 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 im- 

 mediately applied. Bees'-wax is considered prefer- 



