108 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK. 



generally recover, in all probability, if the feverish influences 

 arising from the diseased condition of the feet were not so 

 much against him, and which, constantly irritating and ex- 

 citing the joint, finally settles upon it a permanent local dis- 

 ease. I^ot unfrequently, however, the disorder has an exist- 

 ence independent of any other, being the consequences of 

 bruises or wounds which the foot sustains in traveling ovei 

 hard, rough roads, or from their becoming worn off. Among 

 other causes of the same nature, are such as permitting the 

 shoe to remain on too long, or keeping the horse constantly 

 shod, and compelling him to stand in a wet, unwholesome stable. 



SYMPTOMS. 



The disease may be recognized by the dry, chalky appear- 

 ance of the bottom of the feet, which may be easily dug out 

 with a knife or chisel. The frog of the foot is obviously di- 

 minished in size, and the joints, especially the ankle-joint, 

 become sw^ollen, when the horse remains standing for any 

 length of time. The steps are short and lame, indicating 

 plainly the soreness of the feet, the affected member being 

 put forward, and thus rested ; or, if both feet are diseased, 

 the horse will advance first one foot and then the other. In 

 most respects the symptoms resemble those of swinney, which 

 hoof rot very commonly accompanies, and for which the in- 

 experienced horseman is very apt to mistake it. 



TREATMENT. 



When the disease exists alone, the corrosive liniment will 

 always effect a cure ; but in case it is only the result of an- 

 other disorder, that must first be cured before commencing 

 the direct treatment for this. 



Clean off the bottom of the feet, dig out the pumiced, 

 chalky matter, and pare down the sides of the hoof and also 

 the frog. Wash the bottom of the foot with the liniment 

 each morning for three or four days in succession, always 

 drying it in well with a hot iron. Omit the application for 

 two days, and then continue as before. 



