QUTTTOR. 235 



able is the power we possess over the disease. Though in some instances 

 caustics are followed by good results, it often happens that fresh eruptions 

 succeed one another until we become forced to admit the truth, that the 

 case is not to be cured by common means ; or, indeed, by any means but 

 an operation. 



Cauteeization was formerly much practised for the cure of quittor. 

 It has, however, in this country, pretty generally given place to caustic ; 

 while the latter has given way to milder remedial agents. Even for such 

 cases as we are now considering, the actual cautery is not so well adapted 

 as the operation of which I am about to speak. For, unless we could 

 cauterize every portion of the carious cartilage, we should fail to eradicate 

 the disease. 



The Operation for the Cure of Quittor consists in removal of the 

 quarter of the hoof, for the purpose of exposing the lateral cartilage, and 

 the ultimate excision of it, either in toto or of such portions as may be 

 deemed diseased. The operation originated with Lafosse, sen., and has 

 been practised throughout France : though of late years its popularity has 

 diminished through the testimony of Professor Girard in favour of 

 corrosive sublimate. Still the professor admits the operation in cases 

 where the quarters and heels are in a state of suppuration, the sole under- 

 run, or the base of the cartilage and the coffin-bone carious. There are 

 different ways of performing this operation. Lafosse confined himself to 

 a partial section of the quarter, about an inch in breadth, yet extending 

 from the coronet to the ground surface. This has been found insufficient, 

 therefore the entire quarter has been removed. An improvement on this 

 practice, however, is suggested by Hurtrel d'Arboval : who recommends 

 that our incision be commenced opposite to the anterior extremity of 

 the cartilage, below the coronary prominence, and carried (instead of 

 directly downward, in the course of the fibres of the hoof) diagonally 

 across the wall towards the heel ; so that when the superior part of the 

 quarter is removed, there will remain the lower border, to which we may 

 tack a shoe.' Having made the groove, and detached the quarter at the 

 coronet, the part thus isolated is to be rasped, preparatory to its elevation 

 by a broad pritchel. Its edge is to be raised sufficiently to enable an 

 assistant to lay firm hold of it with the pincers, and with them carefully 

 though forcibly, rend it from its connexions. After this, so much of the 

 coronary substance and skin as clothe the lateral cartilage are to be dis- 

 sected off but not detached — for they must be carefully laid and bound 

 down again after the operation. So much effected, the state of the parts 

 will determine our next step. What we expect is, carious cartilage, and 



> At this period of the operation, the animal must be cast and properly 

 secm-ed. Also, before we proceed further it is advisable to put a ligature of tape 

 around the pastern, sufficiently tight to suppress hemorrhage. 



