SAXD-CRACK, OR SPLIT-HOOF. 177 



Gravel and sand should be carefully looked for and removed 

 while making the examination. 



Sand-crack, when ne-Iected, may give rise to quitter 

 Causes.-Theve can scarcely be any doubt that a brittleness 

 ot the hoof, either naturally existing, or the result of disease or 

 bad management, is the main cause of the hoof splittino-. But 

 the immediate cause is a severe strain or jar on the hoof The 

 cause of its occurrence in the inner quarter of the fo--foot 

 most frequently is, that it is more directly exposed to the 

 weight, and is also thinner than the outer. 



The toe of the hind-foot is put on great strain when the 

 horse is pulling a heavy load, or moving rapidly, for the hind- 

 feet are chiefly concerned in propelling or forcing the horse 

 forward, and the principal strain is thrown on the toe 

 ^ Bad shoeing is a cause of split-hoof that must not be lost 

 sight of. If the heels of the shoe are brought in close together 

 It will throw great strain on the quarters, and particularly if 

 high corks are turned on them. A weak place or flaw in the 

 shoe, or if It fits unevenly, may cause a crack or split in the 

 hoof. A broken shoe is very dangerous. Breakino- the- 

 coronary ring causes a crack that will not join for life 



Treatment.—F^re out each side of the crack nearly to the 

 quick. If proud flesh is sprouting up, apply powdered burnt 

 alum to It until it is removed. Then apply balsam of fir alona- 

 the crack. Then it is ready to be drawn together, so that the' 

 new horn, as it is formed, will be solid. For this purpose drill 

 a hole through the hoof, across the crack, starting the hole far- 

 enough from the crack not to let the drill touch the sensitive' 

 parts of the foot. The drill should come out about the same 

 distance from the opposite side of the crack. If the crack 

 IS m the toe, three holes should be drilled across it. The first 

 should be about an. inch from the hair, the second half way 

 between it and the lower one. which should be an inch from the 

 ower end of the crack. A strong piece of wire is to be driven 

 through each of these holes, and then a piece of tough wire is 



