TREATMENT OF CANKER. 1095 



The disease cannot be regarded as cured until every point is 

 absolutely dry, and normal horn formation has again set in. In 

 spite of all precautions, relapses are very common, and therefore, 

 for some months after recovery, the affected part should be kept 

 under observation, so as immediately to check fresh onsets. Disease 

 of the bars is exceedingly troublesome. The sensitive structures 

 of the bar being in contact with those of the frog, the vegetations 

 coalesce, and render it extremely difficult completely to expose 

 the diseased spot. It is necessary to excise the new growth, and insert 

 pressure tampons between the two, a very small tampon being first 

 thrust into the depths, and followed by others of increasing size, 

 so that the dressing extends into the space between the bar and frog 

 in the form of a firm wedge. Many observers recommend placing 

 the horse during the day on a thick clay bed, and, after thoroughly 

 cleaning the hoof, to use at night tan instead of straw. Although 

 this method appears easy, its use is attended with many incon- 

 veniences. Apart from the necessity for daily cleansing and changing 

 the bed, the clay becomes soiled with urine and faeces, and requires 

 frequent renewal. By working the horse on a brickfield, the same 

 effect is produced more easily and thoroughly, whilst the daily exercise 

 assists recovery. 



Such treatment is useful where the ground surface only of the hoof, 

 i.e., the frog, sole, and bars, is affected, but is valueless in disease of 

 the wall. The sustained regular pressure on the new growth here 

 plays the principal part. Recovery often follows this treatment. 



A somewhat similar effect is produced by using the animal on soft 

 ground, especially if shoes can be dispensed with. The process makes 

 less rapid progress while the horse is at regular work than during 

 rest — a fact to be borne in mind. Should all other treatment fail, 

 the animal should, if possible, be exercised. The effect is sometimes 

 astonishingly good. 



Nocard some years ago recommended vigorous treatment with 

 sublimate solution. After completely exposing and carefully cleansing 

 the diseased spot, it is sprayed for two hours and a half with 1 per 

 cent, sublimate solution. The sole is then dried, and its surface 

 sprayed for ten minutes with iodoform ether. Nocard gave Fowler's 

 solution inwardly to the extent of 10 drachms in eight days. Later 

 reports by Nocard and others show, however, that even this 

 treatment sometimes fails. 



It need only be repeated that more is due to care in carrying out 

 operative treatment and skill in applying the dressings than to the 

 selection of the material. A change of dressing is desirable from time 



