SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 125 



other hand, if the outside of the foot be raised, the support- 

 ing leg will throw the body off that leg, consequently the 

 moving leg will be further off the supporting leg, and hence 

 less liable to strike." These arguments are good ; but still 

 there have been cases where the practice of these suggestions 

 has failed to produce the desired effect. 



But cutting does not always arise from natural defects, 

 as it is often the consequence of unskilful shoeing. When 

 this is the case, we usually find the upper edge, or that 

 part which comes in contact with the crust, to be hammered 

 inwards, leaving the lower edge on the ground side wider 

 than the hoof, and projecting beyond it. 



In purchasing a horse which manifests marks of cutting 

 by callous thickening on the inside of the fetlock, it is safest 

 to avoid the purchase, as it is most diflicult to ascertain the 

 true cause by inspection, unless the throwing outwards or 

 inwards of the toes be considerable. Besides, as above 

 stated, some horses will cut when tired, and others from a 

 weakness of the fetlock. 



SPRAm OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 



This disease is indicated by a sudden lameness ; and a 

 considerable heat exists round the coronet, as well as ten- 

 derness, which gives the animal pain when pressed upon. 

 Sprain of the coffin-joint sometimes becomes a very bad 

 complaint, in consequence of its being so often unobserved 

 by grooms or even farriers, and it becomes deeply rooted 

 before it is detected. Above all others, this complaint is 

 frequently confounded with lameness of the shoulder. 



Remedies. — The first thing to be tried is bleeding at the 

 toe ; and afterwards a blister should be applied, and at the 

 same time the animal should have occasional doses of physic. 

 The following laxative may be given : — 



