286 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



m. Quarter and Sand Cracks. 

 These are cracks in the hoof, usually lengthwise of the fibres of 

 the hoof, though sometimes the hoof breaks across the fibres for a dis- 

 tance of an inch or so. But the crack rarely extends through 

 the hoof into the laminae, or quick, consequently it does not 

 cause lameness. 

 ^ Quarter cracks come on the quarters, usually on the in- 

 side, on account of that quarter being thinner and weaker 

 than the outer one. 



Sand cracks come on the wall of the foot, anywhere forward of the 

 quarters, and are so called on account of their l)eing more common in 

 sandy parts of the country. 



These cracks are due to a ])rittle condition of the lioof, :ind a want of 

 elasticity in the fibres. 



Causes. — Poor assimilation, or faulty distribution of the food and a want 

 of proper imtrition to the hoof, are principal causes giving rise to a slow 

 growth. AVhat does grow is hard, brittle and inelastic. Sometimes the 

 hoofs become cracked from the heating, drying influences of sandy roads, 

 stony pavements in cities, and long continued want of 

 moisture to the feet. When the feet are in this condition, 

 any severe work or pounding of the hoofs is liable to break 

 them . Racers and trotters are particularly subject to them , 

 because the tracks are sometimes very hard, and the tre- 

 mendous exertions of the horses, and the pounding of the 



Or deficiency of the , ,. , . i i ^ 



outer wall. fect Oil the track, are peculiarly trying to the hoofs ; and 



unless they are in first-class condition, they are apt to crack. 



How to know it. — A crack or split in the hoof, it may be only at the 

 top or at the bottom, and very short, or in the centre, from top to bot- 

 tom ; or it may extend clear from the top to the bottom. It may extend 

 inward but a little way, or it may be deep, clear into the quick, so that 

 the soft parts are pinched between the edges of the crack, making it bleed 

 and causing great lameness. The lameness may come on gradually or 

 suddenly. It depends upon whether the crack starts on the surface and 

 increases in depth with every strain, or whether it breaks right through 

 to the quick at once. In the latter case, the horse will go dead lame 

 immediately, and oftentimes the blood will run from the crack. But in 

 the former case he will not be lame till the crack does extend through to 

 the quick. 



As in all cases of lameness in the foot, wheic there is pain, he will 

 point the foot, that is, thrust it forward, to rest it. 



