DISEASES. 639 



various aspects in its progress of cicatrization. It often has a 

 handsome granulating appearance over its entire surface, while at 

 the bottom there may be a clot of coagulated synovia covering the 

 surface of the sesamoid and the edges of the wound of the plantar 

 aj^oneurosis. A free escape of synovia must always be facilitated, 

 and often the development of the granulations has to be con- 

 trolled. If the cicatrization proceeds weU and regiilarly, dress- 

 ings need be changed but seldom, being satisfied with the cold 

 bath, with copper solutions. 



Dressings can be made with tincture of myrrh or aloes ; some- 

 times in the centre with tincture of iodine. At times caustics are 

 again used, while at others, fragments of bone or of tendon have 

 to be excised. 



The entu'e closing of such a woiind may sometimes take place 

 in a month ; but often, even without comj^lications, two or three 

 are required. Complications may easily make their appearance and 

 interfere with the cicatrization. Sometimes j)ieces of necrosed tis- 

 sues which remain at the bottom of the wound give rise to fistulous 

 tracts, until they are entirely removed. In this case, twice as long 

 a time may be necessary to a cure. The pain and intensity of the 

 lameness after the operation do not accurately indicate the nature 

 of the disease ; the general phlogosis, especially the synovial in- 

 flammation, always causes a special acute pain, which for from 

 three to six weeks may prevent the animal from resting his foot 

 on the ground. This pain is entirely indej^endent of the process 

 of repau-, and must not alarm the veterinarian. "While the react- 

 ing fever is absent, and there is a good appetite and no swelling 

 in the region of the coronet, the progress may be considered sat- 

 isfactory. 



After the cicatrization of the plantar wound made during the 

 operation, the parts may return to their physiological condition, 

 or nearly so ; or, on the contrary, remain in an entirely abnormal 

 condition. Often, indeed, the sesamoid sheath may become obht- 

 ei'ated, the diarthrodial surface has lost its smoothness and there is 

 no more sliding upon it, the tendon having become united to it. The 

 animal then remains lame, and cannot be utilized except in walk- 

 ing ; if coronary anchylosis, ringbones are detected, and the appli- 

 cation of firing is indicated. Sometimes neurotomy gives excellent 

 results. 



