CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. 509 



superior remedy. They dissolve and use at a dose one-half to two- 

 thirds of a teacupful. 



4. Dr. Goss says he has saved the lives of many valuable 

 horses, affected with this disease, by the use of tobacco; infuse an 

 ounce in a pint of water and use as an injection. 



5. Sugar and hot water is one of the most speedy and effectual 

 remedies known for the cure of colic in horses. Albert Johnson, 

 veterinary surgeon of Chicago, says that he has used it for the past 

 fifteen years and has cured numerous cases with it in all stages of the 

 disease, and has never known a remedy that will cure it to readily as 

 this one will. See page 53sJ for its user 



6. Some veterinary surgeons who have -used the following 

 pronounce it a speedy cure for this disease: Steep four ounces of 

 green tea in a pint and a half of water. Use as a drench. 



For Flatulent or Wind Colic Give the following in one 

 dose: One-half pint of water; eight tablespoonfuls of whisky, and 

 two ounces of sulphuric ether. One dose will generally be suffi- 

 cient. Two ounces of gunpowder given at a dose will often afford 

 relief. 



CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. 



Symptoms While standing in the stable the horse will 

 point with, or place forward, one foot ; or if both be affected, alter- 

 nately the one and the other. While not exhibiting the decided 

 lameness which indicates a sprain, his step will be short and quick 

 and the foot placed tenderly on the ground, and he is constantly 

 tripping or stumbling. In most cases the heels appear narrower 

 and the foot longer. 



Remedies Most cases of this affection are caused by the 

 ignorance and errors of the smith who does the shoeing. But when 

 associated with inflammatory action of the cartilages it must be 

 treated in the same manner as founder. In all cases we must give 

 the frog a bearing on the ground, and to do that the shoe must, or 

 ought to be, removed. 



1. A dry, brittle, and contracted hoof may be improved by 

 repeated poulticing with soft soap and rye meal, applied cold. As 

 soon as the hoof softens, let it be dressed, night and morning, with 

 turpentine, linseed oil, and powdered charcoal, equal parts. Still 

 a run at grass, in soft pasture, with tips only on his feet, will do 

 more than any other treatment. But if the horse must be kept in 

 the stable, the best application to make is a stuffing of wet oakum, 

 which can be removed at pleasure. To keep it in contact with the 

 sole, insinuate two thin strips of wood between the shoe and the 

 sole, one lengthwise, the other crosswise. This affords considerable 

 pressure to the foot, is cooling and cleanly and is the best thing 

 known for the purpose. 



