700 OPERATIONS ON THE FOOT. 



we may denominate tile hygiene of the foot ; the too dry bedding, 

 certain wrong modes of shoeing and all the predisposing causes 

 of contracted heels. Let us add also, as a cause, the effect of 

 changing the animals from marshy fields, where they were walk- 

 ing on soft, damp ground, to stables with dry bedding — a cause 

 commonly present in horses transported from northern Germany 

 to the south. Hard work and excessive exercise are also causes 

 of this affection — for example, jumping fences with a heavy rider, 

 slipping in steeple-chases, racing, a sudden stop on the fore feet, 

 especially on stony, hard, frozen or rough ground. All these are 

 fruitful cases of navicular disease. 



Traumatic causes, such as punctured wounds, involving the 

 sesamoideal sheath, are also productive causes which may origin- 

 ate navicular disease. We do not believe in internal causes, nor 

 admit, with Loiset, that viscei'al inilammation, sudden arrest of 

 perspii'ation, especially of the lower part of the legs, can produce 

 the disease. We should rather anticipate that these metastases 

 would affect more the more important serous structure. Neither 

 can we admit, with Lafosse, that this affection can also follow a 

 sudden arrest of the milky secretion. 



VII. Treatment. — We have seen, in speaking of the termina- 

 tions of these lesion, that in certain peculiar circumstances which 

 may be accounted favorable to the return of the elasticity of the 

 foot, a spontaneous recovery is possible. This leads us to the 

 measure of the prophylactic means proper to be used; and it 

 seems evident that by a better hygiene of the feet, by rational 

 shoeing, sometimes educating young horses only gradually to fast 

 work, one may in many cases avoid navicular disease. 



'\Vhile it is in its first stages, one may, with care and patience, 

 sometimes reheve the patient. In this case, absolute rest is coun- 

 ter-indicated, but on the contrary, moderate exercise, upon even 

 and not too hard ground; or, if the lameness is great, walking 

 exercise only, at a moderate gait. The absorption of the serosity 

 present is made easier by a little exercise than by absolute rest. 

 Bleeding from the toe, or the veins of the affected legs, is also, 

 at least, superfluous, the disease becoming chronic almost at the 

 outset. It is also a good practice to shoe the horse, and above 

 all, to remove the shoe frequently. The best shoeing is that 

 which allows for the natural expansion of the hoof. The Charlier 

 shoe has proved useful, while the bar shoe, which is heavier, and 



