448 CANKER. 



lation to the great and remarkable changes apparent in the horn 

 itself. And yet, this disparity, great as it is, ceases to excite 

 surprise when we come to reflect that the extraordinary change 

 is not in a constituent tissue of the body, but only in a pro- 

 duct of secretion. In a word, the lesions of the matrix and of 

 the papillae, although anatomically inconsiderable, are indica- 

 tive of a chronic inflammation ; while, on the other hand, the 

 softness and thickness of the corneous matter, not yet become 

 true horn, seems to indicate a secretion so rapid that, in its 

 progress, time has not been allowed for its due conversion 

 into compact horny tissue." 



To this authority M. Bouley adds — -"Thus is microscopic 

 research perfectly in accord with ordinary observation, since 

 both shew, that, in canker, not only is there no scirrhous nor 

 cancerous change of the morbid tissues ; but, further, that the 

 lesions of these tissues are, anatomically, very inconsiderable, 

 consisting, after all, in no more than chronic inflammation. And 

 besides, resulting from this double demonstration, comes the 

 telling fact, that the horny secretion, so far from being inter- 

 rupted, is, on the contrary, more abundant under the influence 

 of canker, though the secreted product does not possess all the 

 actual properties requisite ' for its due conversion into compact, 

 horny substance.'"* 



Mr. Gavin, V.S., Edinburgh, has twice met with canker in 

 a form which, though assuming its ordinary aspect in the foot, 

 seemed dependent for its existence upon a state of limb consist- 

 ing in some anormal condition of the absorbents, and apparently 

 of the veins as well. The leg exhibits enormous tumefaction 

 from the hock downwards, and issues forth through the skin " a 

 sanious greasy discharge." There is also present ulceration in 

 the bend of the heel, any suppression of the issue from which 

 aggravates the cankerous disease. Indeed, so dependent is the 

 latter on the limb affection that Mr. G. considers one incurable 

 so long as the other continues. — May not this case be a sequel 

 of inveterate canker ? 



* Recueil de Medecine V6t6rinaire, de Janvier 1851. 



