THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 335 



QUARTER CtftACK. — (Fissure in the Quarter of the Hoof.) 



All horsemen understand what is meant by quarter crack. It 

 consists of a loss of continuity in the fibres of the hoof, leaving an 

 opening through its substance. It generally occurs in the fore, 

 although often in the hind feet. A fissure of this kind is not con- 

 sidered of much importance; yet, after the cure has been effect- 

 ed, there remains a cicatrix, which is, by some horse dealers, 

 looked upon as an eyesore ; and they often refuse to purchase an 

 otherwise perfect animal solely on this account. 



If the crack be only a simple fissure, and does not extend to 

 the sensitive parts of the hoof, there is no perceptible lameness ; 

 hence, when such a fissure is first observed, it should be at once 

 attended to, in order to prevent lameness, which, however, is 

 generally slight. For causes and treatment, see next article. 



TOE CRACK. — (Fissure in the Longitudinal Fibres of the Fore Fart of 

 the Hoof) 



The hind feet are generally supposed to be the seat of this 

 defect, yet it very frequently occurs in the fore feet. When it 

 occurs in the hind feet, or foot, there is generally considerable 

 lameness present; and the subject has frequently to be laid up 

 for a few days, or else perform his labor with a hobbling gait, 

 very distressing to himself and mortifying to his driver. 



"When the crack extends from the coronet down to the toe, 

 and a complete division of the horny fibres takes place, so that 

 the sensitive lamince are exposed, a discharge of small quantities 

 of blood, and finally of matter, takes place. The subject is then, 

 of course, too lame for work, and must have immediate attention. 



Causes of Quarter and Toe Cracks. — The fact that the parts 

 do crack, would go to show that there must exist some brittle- 

 ness in the hoof. This may arise from two causes : first, from a 

 want of healthy action in the nutritive and secretory vessels of 

 the foot ; secondly, from the common custom of rasping the walls 

 of the hoof, and otherwise mutilating the foot in shoeing. 



Still it may arise from contraction of the parts, from a narrow- 



