DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEET 



fibres entering into the formation of the hoof- 

 wall, and it is quite a tangible theory, that sand- 

 crack might be developed suddenly, though as 

 a rule it is of gradual occurrence. Over-dryness 

 of the hoof-wall, and false-quarter, predispose 

 to sandcrack. The only methods of dealing 

 with this trouble are, to prevent lameness 

 by clasping the crack, and subsequently en- 

 deavouring to promote a new growth of horn 

 from the coronet. Sometimes a blister around 

 the last named will attain this object, but it 

 is a very good plan to turn the animal out 

 to graze on marshy land, as this favours a 

 healthier condition of the horn. 



THRUSH 



This is a common disease, and may affect 

 one, or the whole of the feet, but the hind 

 ones are the most susceptible to this trouble. 

 Frequently it may be taken as evidence of 

 negligence on the part of the groom through 

 failure to pick the feet out twice a day at least. 

 It arises through the irritation induced by decom- 

 posing organic matter, lodging in the cleft of the 



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