ii8 THE HORSE 



outer of both fore feet are concerned. Normally, the 

 cartilages yield when pressed with the thumb, and any 

 loss in their flexibility can immediately be felt by this 

 pressure at the extreme back part of the upper ball of 

 the hoof, that is, just close to the heel. 



The lateral cartilages increase the area of the wings 

 for ligamentous attachment, and it is possible that side- 

 bone sometimes starts — probably very often — in the 

 structures in contiguity with the lateral cartilages. 



Once side-bone is established it is permanent, and little 

 good can be done towards the amelioration of the lame- 

 ness. Hoof section is really of little use, though satis- 

 factory results have been recorded in some instances. 

 The author's experience in this direction has been very 

 unsatisfactory, therefore he does not feel justified in 

 recommending the operation. 



There are quite a number of other diseases affecting 

 the feet, all of which are important to the veterinar}^ 

 surgeon as causes of unsoundness, lameness, or in- 

 efficiency, either temporary or perm.anent. Amongst 

 these mention must be made of bruises to the coronet, 

 also frost-bite of this structure. The coronet or coronary 

 band, as stated, when speaking of the structure of the 

 foot, encircles the upper border of the hoof and is a very 

 non-yielding structure, consequently it leads to the 

 production of pain and lameness when it is bruised, or 

 implicated in disease through any other cause. The 

 degree of lameness seems disproportionate to the injury, 

 though it is accounted for by the absence of any degree of 

 swelling. All affections of the coronet require very 

 skilful treatment, therefore professional assistance should 

 be obtained as soon after the injury is noticed as possible. 

 As a palliative measure, in the meantime, the owner 

 should put the foot into a pail of hot antiseptic solution 

 for half an hour night and morning, which is the most 

 conservative measure we feel justified in recommending. 



