SYMPTOMS OF VARIOUS DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEET. 333 



In cases of loni; standinc;. the inside quarter of the foot will become 

 straiirliter, and there will be small circular ridges on that part of the hoot", 

 'i'he horn of the sole will also be found to be increased in quantity, tho 

 sole will lie more concave than natural, and the feet generally will be 

 more upright, blocky and contracted. From saving of the ba^k part of 

 the foot and consequent absence of pressure on the frog, thrushes will 

 probaltly make their ajipearanre. X.ivicular disease may and verj' often 

 does ajipear in good ojien feet, but gradually the above changes will take 

 ]ilace. Tenderness will be evinced on the application of concussion to the 

 heels, or at the point of the frog. A further test may be applied by 

 bending up the foot and applying pressure by the thumb to the hollow 

 of the heel. The seat of the disease will be nearly under the thumb. 



The lameness is most apparent when the horse fii-st comes out of the 

 stable. It decreases with exercise. Nevertheless, on the day after severe 

 work the horse will be more lame than usual, especially when going down 

 hill. In doii])tful cases, therefore, the animal should be subjected to 

 strong work, and examined again after a night's rest. 



665. Sijm2)tnms of Ossified Cartilages. 



Ossified Cartilages, commonly called Side bones, are not unconmion in 

 the fore feet, especially in underbred horses. They may occur, though 

 but rarely, in the hind feet. They generally produce a want of elasticity 

 in the tread rather than positive lameness. Their existence is easily de- 

 tected by feeling the cartilages at each side of the heels. In health they 

 are flexible, but in disease they become more or less ossified and inelastic. 

 See also par. 631. 



GG6. Symptoms of Thrush. 



This disease is generally perceptible both to the eyes and the nose. 

 In cases of doubt it is advisable to pare off the outer coat of the frog, as 

 extensive disease may exist under an apparently almost soimd exterior. 



Thrushes in an otherwise good foot will not cause a horse to go lame 

 unless he happens to tread on a stone, or otherwise bruise the diseased 

 structure. 



667. Symjitoms of CanTcer. 



Canker is a fungoid disease of the sole, commencing generally at the 

 point of the frog, but is not, as a rule, in any way connected v.ith thi-ush. 

 Tliis fungoid growth exudes a thin, unhealthy discharge, and bursts upon 

 the slightest exciting cause. In the latter stages this diseased condition 

 is apparent enough. 



668. Symptoms of Corn. 



The seat of Corn is at the inner angle of the sole in the space bounded 

 by the crust and its reduplication (the bars). The existence or otherwise 

 of a Com can always be at once detected by paring off the surface of the 

 sole at the part indicated. See par. 1009. 



