CHAPTER XIX 



DISEASES AFFECTING FEET. 



CONTRACTED FEET. 



CONTRACTION of the foot or feet may take place 

 at the heels, or from above to below. It very often 

 happens that a contracted foot, or feet, is associated with 

 co-existent or previous disease. In this way we find the feet 

 contracted, commonly, in navicular disease. Lameness, causing 

 perverted function, allows the hoof to become contracted. 

 Again, a potent cause of contracted feet is through paring 

 away the frog. This should never be tolerated. Frog (foot- 

 pad; pressure is essential, if the hoof has to maintain its shape 

 and size. Attend to shoeing. 



THRUSH IN CLEFTS OF FEET. 



This is an exceedingly common disease, and one that readily 

 makes itself known through the offensive odour about the foot 

 or feet. The cleft of the foot-pad (frog) shows a mattery 

 discharge, and the substance of the pad may be considerably 

 disorganised. The foul odour is due to putrefaction of the 

 matter (pus). There can be no doubt that it is a disease chiefly 

 caused through filth. Strictly speaking, it is a sign of neglect. 

 Decomposing excreta, insinuating itself into the cleft, acts as 

 an irritant. The hind feet are more commonly affected than the 

 fore, though one or all may suffer. 



319 



