DISEASES AFFECTING FEET 



Another plan consists of making V-shaped grooves, w::h 

 the apex of the V about the middle of the crack. The hncs oi 

 the letter must be carried as high as the coronet, and al.iUit 

 three-quarters of an inch of horn allowed between eacii li.ie 

 (groove) and the crack. The firing iron can be used in place of 

 cutting the grooves with a drawing knife. The reader will 

 understand that the divided horn will never unite, the object 

 being to induce a new growth of horn, likewise to prevent the 

 crack extending, thus obviating pain. \Mien the fissure is 

 deep, blood may be oozing from it, and the horse exceedingly 

 lame. It is hardly necessary to say that it is a criminal offence 

 to work a horse in this condition. Under these circumstances 

 have the shoe taken off, and the foot put in a bucketful of 

 warm water, to w^iich a couple of tablespoonsful of J eyes' fluid 

 have been added. After having given the fissure a thorough 

 cleansing, pare the same well out. If the flesh is sprouting 

 through the fissure, do not remove it, as such will gradually die 

 away under appropriate treatment. As soon as the inflam- 

 mation and pain have abated, put on a bar shoe. When the 

 crack is at the toe, have side clips and a thin-heeled shoe. For 

 " quarter " sandcrack use a three-quarter bar shoe. A most 

 excellent means of taking the pressure off the fissure is afforded 

 through cutting out a small arch immediately below the crack. 

 Touching the coronet lightly with the firing iron (or blistering) 

 after the inflammation has departed, assists the growth of 

 fresh horn. 



General Management. — Rest. Mild dose of physic or else 

 green food. Keep the crack particularly clean. Watch the 

 growth of new horn in order to note that it is going on all right. 

 Avoid the use of the so-called *' stopping " {i.e., filling up the 



337 

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