552 QUITTOR. 



powers of life are very feeble, and their organization low ; 

 W'bile other parts exist which are varied in their shades 

 between the two ; when this is considered, we need not 

 wonder that any morbid action of the foot, having a pre- 

 disposition to extend inward, should in its course present 

 different symptoms, arising from the different structures 

 which it attacks. 



Symptoms. — The probability of a quittor is shown by an 

 enlargement of the coronet. This may be followed by an 

 exudation between hair and hoof, or the tumour on the 

 coronet may burst in its centre. Let whichever may take 

 place, an open sore is speedily set up from which does not 

 issue healthy pus ; but a mixture of pus and a fluid re- 

 sembling white of egg, in which white particles are often 

 seen to float, and which often has a most offensive smell. 

 On searching the w^ound, it is found to proceed by little 

 narrow channels various ways. The channels are often so 

 small and tortuous as to defy the entrance of more than 

 the point of a probe ; and it is from these that the liquid 

 resembling white of egg issues. To find out their extent, 

 cut a small twig of a broom, and, having rounded its point, 

 use it as a flexible probe. It wull bend with the winding 

 of the sinus, and will enter where the silver wire w*ould not 

 penetrate. It must be used for some time and with some 

 force upon the first occasion, and its application should be 

 rejDeated upon the three following dressings. It should be 

 made to enter wherever any glairy exudation is perceived ; 

 for often several large sinuses will communicate with a very 

 small opening. 



A quittor seems to occasion intense pain, producing acute 

 lameness. The horse having a quittor fears to put the 

 diseased foot to the ground ; wherefore it is better to turn 

 him into a loose box, and to dress him with as little 

 disturbance as may be possible. Nevertheless as he suffers 

 from an injury which demands the reparative process to be 

 established before it can be healed, feed him fully with as 

 much liberality as may be compatible with a life of idleness. 

 Attention paid to this last direction will materially shorten 

 the duration of the cure. 



Treatment of Quittor. — This, like most matters of opinion, 

 has varied with the theories and the customs of the day. 

 Formerly all quittors were attempted to be cured either by 



