114 THE HORSE 



the hoof at the quarter naturally, when such exists, 

 favours the production of sand-crack. The crack in the 

 wall may be either partial or complete, whilst its degree 

 of extension may vary. When completely through the 

 wall it sometimes causes lameness, as the sensitive 

 laminae are liable during movement to be nipped in the 

 fissure. Under these circumstances it is cruelty to work 

 a horse, but not otherwise. Firing below the crack, 

 bolting the crack, and the appHcation of tarred string 

 are the commonest methods of dealing with sand-crack, 

 though the results are variable. Blistering the coronet 

 is also commonly employed. 



Sand-crack is not as a rule very satisfactory to treat. 

 Its presence when discovered is considered as a sufficient 

 reason for the rejection of the animal when examined with 

 regard to soundness. It is quite an easy matter to over- 

 look the existence of sand-crack if the feet are covered 

 with mud, and still more to do so if the crack or cracks 

 have been filled in. 



False Quarter 



We have already alluded to false quarter as consisting 

 of an indentation in the wall of the hoof at the quarter. 

 It represents unsoundness owing to the fact that it pre- 

 disposes to the condition alluded to in the preceding 

 paragraph. 



Canker of the Foot 



This disease as a rule makes its appearance in the frog, 

 and is sometimes mistaken for a simpler trouble known as 

 thrush of the foot, but it is a far more serious condition 

 than the latter. The author has been very unsuccessful 

 in the treatment of canker, although many elaborate and 

 patient measures have been employed in order to effect 

 a cure. All experienced veterinary surgeons are only too 

 well aware of its extremely malignant nature. The 

 adoption of the most drastic methods have not, in the 

 writer's hands, ever been satisfactory, therefore the most 



