188 NAVIX ox THE HOESE. 



and yet but little pus or matter be discharged at the opening 

 above the hoof. 



The extent of the fissures or pipes can best be found out by 

 taking a small-sized hougie^ (it has no other name), which can 

 be got at any drug-store. This can be passed into the opening 

 and will easily pass in the direction the pipes run. It may be 

 used when the opening is above the hoof, or when a hole has 

 been made through the sole. It is the best probe that can be 

 used, as it will follow the sinuses wherever they run. Some- 

 times it happens that the parts above the hoof become much 

 enlarged and are liable to be bruised by the other foot. 



If quittor is neglected, its termination will be the destruction 

 of the foot, either the hoof becoming separated and coming 

 off, or the coffin-bone ulcerating and becoming destroyed. 

 But before these results will have been reached, the ulcera- 

 tion may have reached and destroyed the coffin-joint. A true 

 quittor can hardly be mistaken for any thing else. A close 

 attention to the condition of the case is about all that is 

 necessaiy to determine the disease. . It may terminate in 

 canker, but when it does the symptoms of canker will be so 

 clearly seen that no difficulty need be ex2)erienced. 



Causes. — Any thing capable of exciting inflammation at any 

 point in the sensitive parts, which are the seat of the disease, 

 will cause quittor. I have spoken of corns, gravel, and pricks 

 of nails entering the sensitive little plates on the coffin-bone, 

 as causes. In the language of Mr. Youatt, "It may be the 

 result of any wound in the foot, and in any part of it." A^ 

 bruise of the sole, overreach particularly, when badly treated, 

 is a frequent cause. 



Treatment. — If it can be ascertained that the quittor is 

 caused by a wound or bruise of the sole, or the pricking of a 

 nail, make a free opening through the sole at the point of 

 injury, and let the matter out. Also, if the quittor start from 

 above and burrow down until any of its pipes reach the sole, 

 a similar opening is to be made at the point where the pipe 



