LOSS OF THE CLAW. 1111 



Finally, a grey fatty material sometimes accumulates in considerable 

 quantity in the peculiar glands above the claws in sheep, and is dis- 

 charged as a worm-shaped mass when the parts are pressed, or the 

 claws forced into contact. The condition is seldom of practical 

 importance, but is sometimes looked on by shepherds as the cause 

 of other painful conditions. Under some circumstances, retention 

 of this secretion may certainly lead to inflammation of the sac. A 

 painful swelling then appears at the front of the interdigital space, 

 and discharges more or less puriform fluid if compressed. To effect 

 a cure, it is usually sufficient repeatedly to empty the sac by 

 pressure. 



H. DISEASES OF THE CLAWS IN CARNIVORA. 



The claws surround the last phalanx, which, in carnivora, is covered 

 by the claw matrix, just as is the os pedis in other animals. The third 

 phalanx of the dog lies almost at a right angle to the second, with which 

 it articulates, and Justin front of the joint shows a ring-shaped depression, 

 to receive the base of the claw. The portion of cutis which serves as 

 matrix to the claw shows a circular thickening, the coronary band, which 

 secretes the horn of the claw. The matrix covers the anterior portion 

 of the third phalanx, and exhibits small furrows or laminae. The volar 

 surface of the third phalanx is covered with a material homologous with 

 the sensitive sole. The claw is formed by two horny plates, lying closely 

 together, and enclosing a space. They are fixed by their base into the 

 furrow of the bone. Two elastic ligaments, which start from the upper 

 end of the second phalanx, and run to the upper surface of the furrow, 

 serve to lift the claw, and prevent it being excessively worn away. The 

 claw does not touch the ground when weight is placed on the foot, and 

 the weight of the body is therefore sustained by the pads of the sole and 

 toes. These are rounded masses of connective tissue, containing elastic 

 fibres and fatty tissue ; they are provided with a strong epidermis, and 

 are connected by ligaments with the phalanges. They are black in colour, 

 contain neither hair follicles nor sebaceous glands, but are provided with 

 numerous sudoriparous glands. 



I.— GROWING-IN OF THE CLAWS (INCARNATIO UNGUIS). DISLO- 

 CATION OF THE CLAWS. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE 

 CLAW MATRIX. LOSS OF THE CLAWS. 



In cats and dogs, the dew-claw, which does not touch the ground, 

 and therefore is not worn away, sometimes becomes abnormally 

 long, and assumes a curved form. Its point then enters its corre- 

 sponding pad, produces great pain and lameness, and occasionally 

 suppuration in and around the pad. Treatment consists in shortening 

 the claw by means of forceps or strong scissors, care being taken 



