Diseases of the Feet. 593 



be easily cured by removing tlie broken portions of bones, and applying daily a simple astringent 

 dressing. If a case be neglected, the sensitive structures in connection with the frog become 

 inflamed, and then, before using astringents, it is necessary to reduce such inflammation by ad- 

 ministering aperient medicine, and by the application of poultices. 



Canker, although to an ordinary observer a disease presenting symptoms somewhat similar 

 in character, is a widely different one, and of a far more serious nature. A careful examination of 

 such a case will enable the amateur to discover that the discharge, smell, and general appearances 

 are of a different type to an ordinary thrush, and that, if it has not already taken place, there is a 

 tendency for the disease to spread from the frog to the sole, a symptom which is never attendant 

 upon thrush. A horse affected with this disease should be disposed of at any sacrifice. 



Corn in the horse's foot is a bruise to the sole, near to the heel, produced, in the majority 

 of cases, by the shoe being improperly fitted to the foot. It is known by a red stain in the horn, 

 at the part described. It more frequently occurs on the inner side, from that being more under the 

 centre of gravity. Most cases may be relieved by paring away the horn almost to the "quick," and 

 fitting the shoe to prevent any pressure being imparted to this portion of the foot. 



It is a good plan to use leather soles in these cases ; undue pressure to the heels of the foot is 

 thus avoided. Even in healthy fore-feet the use of leather soles is attended with much benefit, 

 where the work performed by the horse necessitates his travelling over paved roads.* If a corn 

 is allowed to go on to suppuration, the aid of an expert should be sought. 



Sandcrack is a fissure in the wall of the hoof, extending from above downwards ; it may 

 occur to any part, but commonly to the inner side of the fore-feet and to the front of the 

 hind. This is a malady which requires practical knowledge to treat successfully. 



Laiitinitis, or Fever in the Feet, are terms given to a congested or inflamed state of the sensitive 

 laminae of the foot. The causes which give rise to this disease are numerous, but perhaps none 

 more frequent in operation than that of concussion. It may occur in one or all four feet, but 

 whether in one or more it is always attended with considerable pain. If in the fore-feet, 

 which is more common, the horse stands with the hind-limbs well under the body, the fore 

 being also put forward, so that as little weight as possible may be imposed upon them, and 

 that upon the heels ; the feet affected are very hot, the animal's respiration is increased, the 

 pulse very quick, and there is an extremely anxious countenance. The horse, as a rule, 

 obstinately stands, and moves but little. If the malady is allowed to run its course, or does 

 not quickly yield to treatment, displacement of the predal bone follows, and the horse is 

 ruined for life. The aid of a veterinary surgeon should therefore be secured as quickly as 

 possible ; but in the meantime no harm can be done by removing the shoes, placing the affected 

 feet in warm poultices, and giving the horse a dose of purgative medicine. 



Navicular Discisc. — This disease consists of an inflamed and ulcerated state of the 

 navicular bone ; it is almost confined to the fore-feet, and is common in horses, but does not 

 frequently set in before the animal is six or seven years old. It is hereditary, but results 

 also from concussion. Its symptoms are peculiar : when standing in the stable the horse will 

 place forward the affected foot — point it, as it is commonly termed ; if in both feet, he will point 

 one and then the other ; lameness is apparent when the animal is trotted, and this is more 

 marked when first brought out of the stable or when required to trot down an incline. While 

 in action he goes upon the toes as much as possible. After the malady has existed for a 

 time, the foot becomes narrow at the heels and more upright, the sole more concave, and the 

 frog becomes affected with thrush. In the early stages of the disease its progress may to 



* I much prefer Hartman's removable india-rubber soles, one pair will last for months. — S. S. 

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