174 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



the next day. If of long standing, look for small 

 circular ridges on the inside only of the foot, 

 which indicate inflammation at different stages. 

 A horse that has been out at grass may also have 

 circular ridges, which arise from an unequal 

 growth of the horn according as the weather has 

 been wet or dry ; but these ridges will go all 

 round the foot. Lastly, the affected foot when at 

 rest will generally be intensely cold, while all 

 the other three feet will be of one temperature 

 and comparatively warm. 



In " laminitis," on the contrary, or " fever in 

 the feet," the affected foot will be far hotter 

 than the others ; while the horse will be almost 

 glued to the ground if the attack is acute. It 

 is a case for the advice of a veterinary surgeon, 

 but if beyond the reach of one the treatment 

 formerly recommended by Mr. Broad, veterinary 

 surgeon of Bath, though it appears cruel at first 

 sight, is justified by success. It consists of 

 forcing the horse to walk for half an hour, and 

 when the increased circulation has lessened the 

 congestion and consequent pain so that he can 

 move almost freely, he must be taken back to the 

 stable, and his feet placed in a cold bath for an 

 hour to prevent swelling and consequent con- 

 gestion taking place again. At the end of the 

 hour in the bath the horse must take a second 

 walk for an hour, and then again stand in the 

 bath. This treatment must be continued daily 

 until no longer necessary, on the improvement 

 of the animal. 



The heels are liable to " over-reach," that is a 

 blow of the hind foot causes a bruise. If it is 

 a severe one a poultice should be put on, after 

 the wound has been washed clean, and any torn 



