102 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



from the crack. To prevent, or rather to cause the new 

 horn to grow down whole and without a crack in it, a 

 piece of iron is to be placed in the fire and made red hot, 

 and then applied, just for a moment, flat on the hair at the 

 head of the crack sufficient to make a scab. This will in- 

 sure a solid growth of horn. Promote the growth of tlie 

 horn as speedily as possible, to facilitate the cure ; a strap 

 is used by some round the hoof to prevent opening of the 

 crack. 



(9.) Navicular Disease. — This is a disease of a bone in 

 the foot of the horse ; a serious disease, and often very ob- 

 scure in its symptoms, altogether depending as to the 

 advanced condition of the disease. Happily, however, it is 

 scarcely met with and then only in the common hack horse. 

 It consists of ulceration, of various degrees, on the surface 

 of the navicular bone within the foot. 



Causes. Hard and constant work upon streets paved 

 with stones. Sli,2:ht inflammation ne(?lected and the horse 

 not laid up until it gets well, and then inflammation in- 

 creasing, until it ends in ulceration of the bone. 



Symptom. Obscure, or at least very like many of the 

 symptoms similar to other diseases of the feet and legs. 

 It is chiefly determined by the undue heat in the foot, and 

 by the fact that no diseases can be detected elsewhere or of 

 a different kind. In lameness of other portion, not in the 

 foot, we have heat and swelling — the hoof or foot of the 

 horse cannot swell. It is a box, and we cannot see into it 

 to examine its contents and condition. 



Treatment. Incurable, although much can be done to 

 relieve the pain, by the application of moisture, poultices, 

 and occasionally placing the hoof in warm water to soften 

 and relieve pressure. Some have recommended a blister 

 round the coronet. I cannot see on what scientific, or 



