84 EX A MINA TION OF HORSES 



some regard to popular belief. In this case the great 

 frequency with which we find contraction and navicular 

 disease to co-exist, has given rise to their being looked 

 upon as cause and effect. 



When we come to think how frequently we find the two 

 conditions co-existing we can scarcely wonder at this ; 

 it even led the late Professor Coleman to see cause and 

 effect in it. We do, however, often find contracted wiry 

 heels without navicular disease, and, on the other hand, 

 we often find well-formed feet with wide open good heels 

 afliicted with navicular disease. In the latter case we 

 have an acute form of the disease, and the heels, should 

 the disease continue, will not be long before they become 

 atrophied (contracted) from suspended function. When 

 we have navicular disease in a well- formed foot, we have 

 it then of an acute kind, and accordingly we have a 

 group of symptoms which constitute a sign ; these are — 



1. A frequent shifting of the weight from one foot to 

 the other, and pointing with the rested foot, when standing. 



2. Increased heat in the hollow of the heel and tender- 

 ness on pressure with the thumb in the hollow of the 

 heel. 



3. Throbbing of the plantar arteries. 



4. The horse goes on his toes, tripping and stumbling, 

 and is lame. 



Unfortunately, however, we have no such distinctive 

 signs of the disease in an examination as to soundness. 

 If it be present at all it will be in a chronic form, and 

 giving rise to an unnatural gait, only to be detected by the 



