218 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



If it causes lameness the horse generally steps short, and 

 throws his weight more on the front than the back part of the 

 foot ; and the condition of the cartilages may be readily de- 

 tected by pressing them with the fingers immediately above the 

 hoof, when they will be found hard and unyielding. 



Treatment. At the commencement, if inflammation is pre- 

 sent and the alteration suspected to be taking place, fomenta- 

 tions and poultices should be employed, followed by blistering, 

 or firing as a last resource, should the lameness not disappear. 

 If this does not effect a cure, then special shoeing must be 

 resorted to, as bar or periplantar shoes, to allow the frog to 

 sustain weight. 



