QUITTOR 145 



complicated parts. The consequence is, pus accumu- 

 lates under the hoof until it has increased to such an 

 extent that it must find escape in some way ; and 

 frequently forces itself out in all directions, separating 

 the little fleshy plates from their connection with the 

 horny ones of the crust ; or disuniting the fleshy sole 

 from the horny one ; and in extreme cases eats its 

 way deeply into the internal parts of the foot, forming 

 pipes or sinuses, which run in all directions. 



If quittor arises from a prick or wound in the lower 

 portion of the foot, the matter which is collected in it 

 issues from it, and induces a separation between the 

 horny and fleshy sole ; and having accumulated in 

 considerable quantity, at length discharges itself at 

 the coronet, generally close to the quarter. This, 

 however, does not manifest itself to any extent, as 

 both the aperture and quantity of matter which oozes 

 out are apparently so insignificant, that they would 

 lead an inexperienced person to suppose the dis- 

 charge of little consequence. In this, however, 

 they will be sadly mistaken ; for most serious mis- 

 chief lurks within, and the difficulty of removing 

 it is extremely great. In this state of the disease, 

 although the fistula is of very small dimensions, yet 

 the effects of this confined matter will have extended 

 over almost the entire quarter, and the horny sole 

 may be separated from the foot. 



REMEDIES. It must be evident that this is a 

 case which can only be successfully treated by a 

 skilful veterinary surgeon. In most instances of 

 such cases, it becomes necessary to remove the 

 greater portion of the horny sole, and thereafter 

 restore the healthy state of the tender surface beneath. 

 When this has been effected, the horn will quickly 

 be reproduced. But in cases where much of the 



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