512 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



as we have seen in those cases that have continued at v.-ork without detec- 

 tion, but is caused by pressure of the growth upon some sensitive part. 

 The application of bHsters where sidebone is the trouble should include the 

 whole coronary band, as stimulating it to increased activity results in the 

 early formation of a new ring of hoof larger than before, and giving room to 

 the morbid growth of bony material which may be undergoing absorption at 

 the same time. 



Bad cases are treated with the firing-iron both by puncture and lines, 

 when it is usual to draw the hot iron through the coronet with a view to 

 "opening it out," as it is called. Recognizing the need of giving additional 



Fij. 91.— Sidebone. 

 1. Pcrbl-bone. 2. 3. The lateral cartilages ossified. 



room in the foot in bad cases of sidebone. Major Fred Smith has adopted the 

 plan of sawing through the hoof and putting the horse to work almost 

 immediately. 



The shoes should be removed and tips take their place to protect the toe 

 from breaking away. This should be done either before operation or else 

 deferred for two or thi'ee weeks till the first soreness has passed away, and 

 it becomes possible to handle the parts without giving pain or causing 

 blemish, but the foot should never be deprived of protection during the 

 action of a blister, as the crust is very liable to be broken by the horse 

 pawing with the pain. The necessary restraint which adds so much to the 

 discomfort of a blistered horse may be the sooner relaxed by using what is 

 known as a cradle. These can be purchased of saddlers ; but a handy man 

 can make one in an hour with a bundle of sticks and some string. When 

 this appliance is adjusted round the neck so that the patient cannot gnaw 

 the tender spot, he may have the liberty of a loose box or paddock. In 

 case of a horse scratching his head with a hind-foot, the cord employed in 

 the cradle should never be so stout and strong as not to break away if he 

 hangs up in it. For the same reason an orchard is a bad place to turn out, 

 as offering inducements to rub, and adding to the risks of getting hung up. 



BONE SPAVIN 



This disease, so frequently the cause of lameness in those horses which 

 use their hocks severely (as for example race-horses, hunters, carriagc-liorses, 

 cavalry, and more particularly cart-horses), consists in exostosis from the 



