426 PUMICE FOOT. 



cious and careful management of it — obviously presents to us 

 two objects for consideration : the first being, the healing of the 

 wound and closing of the breach in the sole to which it owes its 

 existence ; the second, the elevation of the coffin-bone, and its 

 adjustment, as far as we can, in its natural position. I say 

 *' position," for as to forcing up the bone into its proper place 

 again, of course that is a matter entirely out of the range of 

 possibility. When once complete separation of the laminee has 

 taken place, no power we possess can restore their union; 

 indeed, no means can be used to carry into effect so much as we 

 may be able to accomplish towards the raising up of the bone 

 before we have completely restored the integrity of the sole, 

 and made the part where the breach existed sound and firm, and 

 able without pain to bear pressure. 



For the Healing of the Wound, the continued applica- 

 tion of poultices will be found beneficial so long as any annoying 

 inflammatory action is lurking about the foot, and so long as the 

 wound itself puts on a healthy aspect, and seems disposed to 

 granulate, or actually is granulating. But whenever such is 

 not its character, and particularly when its surface looks pallid, 

 and the circulation through it appears languid, stimulating and 

 escharotic dressings ought to be substituted for the poultices. 



Of the various Kinds of Dressings in ordinary use for 

 the purpose of promoting the healing of foot-wounds and their 

 subsequent coating by a sound secretion of horn, none are 

 found to answer well unless they be, through some suitable con- 

 trivance, firmly bound upon the ulcerated surface, so as to give 

 as much pressure to it as the animal can bear. Pressure to the 

 extent of producing pain is injurious; but the utmost degree 

 short of this is uniformly found to be attended with the happiest 

 effects. In short, without concomitant pressure, the most ex- 

 tolled dressings will seldom prove of much avail. If the hoof 

 be cool, and it is considered that a light shoe can be worn with- 

 out hurt, providing it be put on with small nails driven through 

 parts of the crust able to bear the concussion of the hammer and 

 to hold such nails, great advantage will be derived from it, in- 

 asmuch as it will afford very convenient means for employing 



