QUITTOK. 187 



coronary ring, or it will cause an open space, or permanent 

 crack in the hoof. 



QUITTOK. 



Quittor is an ulceration, or the formation of matter, in the 

 sensitive parts within the hoof, generally originating in the 

 sensitive sole or sensitive lamellae. When, from any cause, 

 matter is formed within the foot, and where there is no direct 

 outlet, it forces itself along through the soft parts, often in 

 several difPerent directions, forming sinuses or pipes. These 

 pipes pass along until they tind an outlet, which they will do 

 some place above the hoof. 



Symptoms. — Before the j)ipe has opened above the hoof, it is 

 somewhat difficult to determine the case. There is nothina" in 

 the lameness to direct to the true nature of the case : thouo-h, 

 by examination, it will certainly be found to be in the foot, 

 and this may be found to be hot. If the case has originated 

 from corn, or gravel, an examination of the bottom of the foot, 

 to find if either of them is the cause of the lameness, will 

 show whether they have progressed so far as to cause matter 

 to be formed. 



If it has proceeded from the prick of a nail entering the 

 quick, when the nail is drawn out a little matter or pus will 

 very likely follow it; or the smith may know of the nail 

 having entered the quick, and if he does not, he certainly has 

 not sense enough to be a blacksmith's assistant. 



But when the sinuses or j^ipes proceed from a hurt about the 

 upper part of the hoof, at the heel, the opening will generally 

 show the nature of the case. The opening will generally be 

 above the inner quarter, and not very large, the matter 

 merely forcing out in small quantity. Xo accurate idea of the 

 extent of the ulceration within can be formed from the quan- 

 tity of matter thrown out. Pipes may extend in every 

 direction, even into the coffin-joint, or the sensitive and horny 

 lamellse may be almost entirely separated by the ulceration, 



