486 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



are too narrow from front to back at their base, most often 

 develop curbs. Violent efforts in heavy pulling, high jumping, 

 or slipping are often the direct cause of curb. Curbs do not 

 often cause lameness, or, if they do, it is usually during the 

 formative stage. Legally it is an unsoundness, although it is 

 not much of a detriment, especially in horses for slow work. 

 Curbs are much less serious than bone spavins, ringbones, side- 

 bones, cocked ankles, and stringhalt. Treatment in the early 

 stages consists of cold applications to relieve the acute inflamma- 

 tion. When the first stage has passed, blistering, frictions with 

 ointments, and firing are often used with good success. 



Fistula. This is an ulcerous lesion found at the withers. 

 Fistulas follow as a result of abscesses, bruises, wounds, or long- 

 continued irritation by the harness or saddle. The pus burrows 

 and finds lodgment deep down between the muscles. The horse 

 becomes incapacitated for work for a considerable period. Most 



A I |B 



Fig. 166. Curb. 



A, Sound hock; B, curb. 



cases are curable. The treatment is largely surgical; the animal 

 should be placed in the care of a competent veterinarian as soon 

 as the condition is discovered. After the fistula is healed, a 

 scar usually remains in the region of the withers. A horse that 

 has had fistula is liable to subsequent attacks of the same trouble. 

 Founder or laminitis. This is a simple inflammation of 

 the fleshy laminae within the hoof. Being exceedingly vascu- 

 lar, the laminae are subject to congestion, and, being enclosed 

 within the hoof, there is very little room for the relief of the 

 congestion. The animal suffers most agonizing pain. Con- 

 cussion is one of the most common causes. Another is over- 

 feeding on grain, causing indigestion, irritation of the alimentary 

 tract, and inflammation of the fleshy laminae through sympathy. 

 Other causes are unusual excitement, bad shoeing, over-exertion, 

 exhaustion, rapid changes of temperature, or any other agencies 

 of an over-supply of blood to the fleshy laminae, resulting in 



