56 



judicious treatment may not occasion any trouble ; but when the 

 fissure extends to the sensitive parts of the foot the horse suffers 

 great pain ; and. consequently, lameness is the result. In all cases, 

 if possible, give the horse rest. Where the case is one of a simple 

 fissure in the hoof, let the sole of the foot be well pared out, and 

 the crust lowered as much as possible ; then let the veterinary 

 surgeon draw out a hot iron longitudinally across at several parts, 

 not too deep : this stimulates the horn. After this he should take 

 some sticky substance — cobblers' wax will do ; melt some and draw 

 it over the crack, and then bind the foot all round with a broad 

 piece of tape, tying it as tight as possible, and cover the tape over 

 with wax, so as to prevent its getting out of place. This should be 

 repeated about every three weeks. If the horse is used, it should 

 be very gently ; but, if it can be rested, let the coronet be blistered. 

 At the same time, keep the foot well stopped with some hoof oint- 

 ment, so as to render it as supple as possible ; and, after recovery, 

 there must be very careful shoeing and careful use of the horse, as 

 sandcrack is very liable to recur. When the foot is inflamed, it is 

 probable that some dirt or irritating substance is in the wound ; then, 

 before applying the tape, put on a poultice to cleanse the wound, 

 after which the treatment above mentioned may be recurred to. In 

 case of fungus, destro}^ it with some caustic application before pro- 

 ceeding to any further treatment. A bad sandcrack will often take 

 many months to grow out. 



The following are some recipes for the treatment of this disease 

 recommended by several correspondents : 



No. 1 . — Common tar, honey, elder ointment (equal portions), to 

 be rubbed in between the hair and the hoof twice a week, or oftener, 

 if necessary. 



No. 2. — Have the animal shod with thick felt placed between 

 the shoe and hoof, and keep the hoof itself well oiled. The felt 

 should be well steeped in oil. 



No. 3. — Have a bar-shoe put on, and fire across the crack to the 

 quick, close to the coronet, where the crack does not extend to the 

 top of the hoof; fire through the hoof at the top of the crack at the 

 same time ; apply hard tallow and oil mixed in equal quantities 

 every night. The oil penetrates, and promotes the growth of the 

 hoof, and the tallow lies on the surface and excludes the wet ; it 

 should be applied warm. 



No. 4. — The foot should be well rasped out, especially over and 

 upon the crack itself. A bar-shoe, chambered so as not to press 

 upon the hoof immediately under the crack, should be placed on 



