SAND CRACK 365 



liberal diet, and impart tone to the body by the administration of vegetable 

 and mineral tonics, of which mix vomica and sulphate of iron are the most 

 appropriate. Gentle exercise daily will tend to disperse the swelling, and 

 the liberty of a loose-box will greatly assist in preventing its return. 



When oedema is the result of heart-disease there is little to be done 

 calculated to effect any permanent good: regular and careful dieting, light 

 work, an occasional aperient dose of aloes, and such measures as will 

 improve the general health are best calculated to disperse and, as far as 

 can be, control the swelling. Sudden and severe exertion and fatigue 

 aggravate the mischief, and should therefore be carefully guarded against. 



When the fault is traceable to derangement of the liver or digestive 

 organs, a dose of physic, followed by a restricted diet and a course of 

 alterative medicine, will suffice to restore the balance again. All cases of 

 oedema are benefited by small repeated doses of nitrate of potash, and more 

 especial!}' so when the disorder arises out of the faulty action of the kidneys. 

 Massage and vigorous rubbing, with the application of dry linen bandages 

 to the legs, will prove serviceable. In some cases wet bandages and cold- 

 water irrigation with exercise will have the desired effect when aided Ijy a 

 short course of diuretic medicine. This treatment is specially applicable to 

 animals whose legs are weakened by hard wear. 



19. DISEASES OF THE FEET 



SAND CRACK 



This term is used to denote a fis.sure or rent in the crust or wall of the 

 hoof Usually the crack extends from above downward or from below 

 upward, in the direction of the horn fibres. It may appear in any part of 

 the hoof, but there are certain positions specially liable to it. In the 

 draught-horse it is most commonly seen in front of the hind-feet, while in 

 light horses it chiefly arises in the inner quarter of the fore-feet. The 

 reasons for this difterence may possibly be found in the fact that in the 

 former the front of the foot is subjected to considerable strain in heavy 

 draught, while the inner and weaker cjuarter of the light horse is most 

 exposed to concussion. 



Causes. — The predisposing conditions to sand crack are found in the 

 two opposite states of inordinate thickness and density, and thinness and 

 laxity of hoof-horn. Horses with strong upright feet are specially liable to 

 this disease, as are also animals whose feet are flat and weak, with horn of 



