152 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



shoe fastened on one side only, or with tips, it will 

 frequently prove of much service. 



In all cases where horses have low weak heels, 

 they should seldom be pared with a knife, but merely 

 rasped down to a level surface. This is peculiarly 

 applicable to the inner heel. The hind feet are 

 seldom affected with corns, because they are stronger 

 than the fore feet, and less subjected to concussion ; 

 and even where corns do exist, they do not produce 

 lameness. 



CANKER. 



Canker consists of a separation of the horny 

 substance from the sensitive fleshy and bony portion 

 of the foot, caused by the growth of fungus tissue 

 shooting up and occupying parts of, or the entire 

 sole of the foot and frog. It is induced either by 

 a puncture, bruise, corn, quittor, or thrush, more 

 commonly proceeding from the latter than any other 

 cause. It seldom attacks high-bred animals, being 

 almost always confined to the heavy breed of cart 

 and dray horses, which class seem to have a con- 

 stitutional predisposition to this complaint. Those 

 which have previously had grease are peculiarly liable 

 to canker, and especially those which have thick 

 heels. 



It is peculiarly necessary to give a watchful at- 

 tention to all species of injuries in these heavy horses, 

 as they are more likely than all others to assume a 

 bad complexion. Their feet being clubbed, and their 

 hoofs in general brittle, they are liable to be punc- 

 tured while shoeing. Nine- tenths of the complaints 

 of this kind arise from negligence either in the groom 

 or master, and also from the carelessness or stupidity 

 of the shoeing smith. It will only require a little 



