112 THE HORSE 



loosening the bond of union between the two, and favour- 

 ing the descent of the pedal-bone. This in some instances 

 becomes so far displaced as to make its exit at the toe 

 through the horny sole. In every case, after an attack 

 of this complaint, it is advisable to graze the patient on 

 marshy land, in order that the feet may benefit from the 

 moisture present. A great deal more might be said 

 concerning this malady, but it is only intended to serve 

 as an outline for the guidance of the amateur. 



Navicular Disease 



This is a disease which affects those structures in 

 juxtaposition to a small bone — the navicular bone — 

 implicating the cartilage covering the bone, the bone 

 itself, the s3movial membrane or sheath, and the tendon, 

 all of Vv^hich structures become, sooner or later, asso- 

 ciated in the diseased processes. It affects one or both 

 fore feet, and seems to be confined to horses of light 

 draught, more especially harness horses and those 

 employed for light van work. It is a common disease 

 and apparently incurable — always progressive, never 

 retrogressive, as far as known. Horses affected mth this 

 trouble are permanently lame, and an animal suffering 

 from this complaint is knov/n by horsemen as a " grog," 

 owing to its groggy method of progression. The lameness 

 is m.ost marked immediately the animal comes out of the 

 stable, particularly if a short rest has been immediately 

 preceded by active work. There is nothing in the way of 

 positive signs indicative of navicular disease, but when 

 both feet are implicated the step is usually very short 

 and cat-like, with pointing of the toes. The heels may or 

 may not be contracted, but the shoes usually show more 

 wear at the toes than elsewhere. Pointing of the foot in 

 the stable is very often present, and sometimes the 

 animal will be continually scraping the ground when in 

 the stall. In advanced navicular disease the shoulders 



