COENS.J 



THE HOESE, AND 



[INPLAMMATION". 



is by conteraplatiug this possible termination 

 of corn, that the law has wisely considered 

 every horse with tiiis complaint as unsound. 



In treating for corns, when they first ap- 

 pear, it is not difficult, by proper means, 

 entirely to remove them ; but when they have 

 existed some time, the injured parts become 

 weakened, and the diseased action of throwing 

 out blood, instead of secreting horn, becomes 

 characteristic of them. As soon, therefore, as 

 corns are discovered, the cure should be imme- 

 diately attempted ; first, by removing, with a 

 fine drawing-knife, every portion of diseased 

 horn around, and the whole of the extravasa- 

 tion likewise; avoiding, however, the wound- 

 ing of the sensitive sole underneath. Having 

 done this, take a pledget of tow, and well 

 moisten it with compound tincture of myrrh, 

 over which put tow sufficient to fill up the 

 hollow of the foot; put on a bar-shoe, and 

 secure the tow in the hollow of the foot by 

 two sticks, laid across each other, and fastened 

 underneath the edge of the shoe. This will 

 act on the sensitive sole, by destroying the 

 unsound parts, and by stimulating the re- 

 mainder to a healthy secretion of the parts to 

 produce new horn. Change the dressing 

 every day, and care must be taken not to let 

 the foot get wet. In this way corns may be 

 permanently cured, when not of too long 

 standing. 



When the derangement of this part of the 

 Bole, however, has become habitual and perma- 

 nent, a,palliative treatment only can be pursued. 

 In the first place, the pressure of the horn 

 must be guarded against, by a regular and fre- 

 quent paring-out of that portion between the 

 inflexion of the heel ; and if the hoof be very 

 strong, and at all disposed to contract, the 

 quarters also should be attended to, and not 

 allowed to become too high, or too thick. We 

 have also, in very strong feet, found the use of a 

 short shoe sometimes of the greatest service ; 

 but, to a weak foot, either a chambered or a 

 bar-shoe is preferable. When the weakness 

 is very considerable, or the corn a very bad one, 

 a bar-shoe will be found the best support, and 

 should be constantly used ; remembering, in 

 those aggravated cases, to remove occasionally 

 all the surrounding horn likely to press on the 

 injured part; at the same time, taking care not 

 to let the frog rest continually on the bar of 

 306 



the shoe, or it may be apt to bruise it. When- 

 ever such a horse is shod, it is proper for the 

 corn to be dressed with some active stimulant ; 

 such as tar, well rubbed in, and covered well 

 with tow to keep the wet and moisture from it. 

 By doing this regularly when shod, and about 

 once a week also in the intermediate time, we 

 have rendered horses, before useless, able 

 afterwards to work with comfort to themselves, 

 and satisfaction to their owners. In slight 

 cases of corn, the shoe proper to be used is 

 one of rather more substance than common, 

 with the web a little wider than usual, and 

 its width equal throughout ; that is, as wide 

 at the heels as at the toe. It should also ex- 

 tend to the termination of the heel, and no 

 farther, and be well laid ofi" the quarter, which 

 is, generally, the inner one. This will allow 

 the quarter to expand ; and, in all probability, 

 prevent a repetition of the pressure from the 

 bone above. This shoe will afford ease and 

 protection. Future pressure must be avoided 

 by keeping the seat of corns clear from offend- 

 ing. 



ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE FEET. 



Of all the definite and well-marked diseases 

 incident to the horse, this has been most mis- 

 taken among the old farriers, and the least 

 noticed among the modern. In many works 

 on Farriery it is not even mentioned ; and, in 

 most, is little more than hinted at. 



This is almost unaccountable, as it is a dis- 

 ease that is very common among horses. 

 When this disease has come under the notice of 

 the common farriei', he has considered it to be 

 a disease of the chest, in consequence of the 

 horse resting his fore legs, because of the 

 muscles and cellular membrane having become 

 absorbed and wasted away. Hence has arisen 

 the name of chest-founder ; and most of the 

 applications were made to the chest of the 

 animal, instead of his feet. It frequently 

 happens that metastasis takes place, or transla- 

 tion of fever from one part to another, as iu 

 inflamed lungs, &c. The feet then frequently 

 become aflfected, whilst the lungs become re- 

 lieved. In some cases obstructed perspiration 

 will produce it, from sudden alteration of tem- 

 perature, and standing a long time in the 

 stable, especially if it be kept immoderately 

 warm. The vessels of the feet not being able 



