PRICKS AND STABS IN SHOEING. 37 



unrecognised, particularly if complication like necrosis has occurred, the 

 graver becomes the outlook. 



Treatment. In cases of simple puncture the nail should immediately 

 be withdrawn and the animal placed on a perfectly clean bed to prevent 

 the wound becoming soiled or infected. If lameness appear and become 

 aggravated, the shoe should be removed and antiseptic poultices applied. 

 In the majority of cases the lameness will then diminish, and in a few 

 days comj^letely disappear. 



In cases of discovery within the first few days the same treatment is 

 applicable, and is often sufficient. If, on the contrary, pus is discharging 

 at the coronet, if lameness is intense and the general symptoms marked, 

 it may be needful to operate. 



The stages of operation comprise : thorough thinning of the horn in the 

 shape of an inverted V over the afiected portion of the wall, removal of 

 the loose necrosed parts, disinfection of the wound, and the application 

 of a surgical dressing covering the entire claw. 



PICKED-UP NAILS, Etc. r GATHERED NAIL.") 



Penetrating wounds of the plantar region are, as in the horse, usually 

 included under the heading of " Picked-up Nails." They are only seen 

 in oxen or cows which are not shod. Pointed objects, like nails, harrow 

 teeth, sharp fragments of wood or glass, etc., may produce injuries of 

 the character of that now in question. 



In considering the position of such wounds we may for convenience 

 divide the plantar region into two zones, one extending from the toe of 

 the claw to the point of insertion of the perforans tendon, the other 

 comprising the region between this insertion and the bulb of the heel. 



Symptoms. Lameness occurs immediately, and varies with the in- 

 tensity of the existing pain. If the offending body has not remained 

 fixed in the wound, this lameness may in a few moments disappear, 

 either for good or merely for a time. The recurrence of lameness on 

 the following day or a couple of days later marks the commencement 

 of inflammatory changes in the deeper seated tissues. This lameness 

 in many instances is accompanied by a movement suggestive of string- 

 halt, the foot being kept on the ground only for a very short time, or 

 sometimes not being brought into contact with the ground at all. 



The depth to which the offending object has penetrated, and the 

 direction it has taken, may sometimes be discovered by a mere casual 

 examination of the sole. In other cases only the orifice by which it has 

 penetrated can be found. If the injury has existed for several days, the 

 discharge from the puncture will be thin aiid blackish, purulent, or 

 blood-stained, according to the case. Fever and general systemic dis- 

 turbance suggest an injury of a grave character. 



