Management of the Feet of Horses. 219 



animal sound in a few hours, but alas ! too fre- 

 quently delay occurs, or some quack treatment is 

 pursued, and at length matter issues from the 

 coronet, and the foot is diseased and disfigured 

 for life. 



In all cases of lameness, the shoe should be 

 removed, and foot properly examined by percus- 

 sion with the hammer, and pressure by the pin- 

 cers. The situation of nail holes in the hoof 

 will determine if some are too near, and evidences 

 of pain will usually point to the part under trial. 



If the lameness is not great, mere removal of 

 the shoe and nails will mostly be sufficient ; or a 

 warm poultice of bran or sawdust may be applied 

 for twelve hours. If, on the other hand, the pain 

 and lameness be excessive, having gradually in- 

 creased in severity, matter may be suspected to 

 be present within the hoof. Exploration with the 

 knife should follow percussion and pressure, by 

 which the precise spot will be detected, and exit 

 thus given to the imprisoned pus will afford al- 

 most instant relief. Poultices preceded by hot 

 fomentations will be required, besides other treat- 

 ment, to allay febrile excitement and expedite the 

 case, for which a qualified veterinarian is best to 

 dictate, according to existing circumstances. 



It is advisable in all cases of lameness to apply 

 at once to a veterinary surgeon ; much tedious- 

 ness and disappointment as well as expense may 

 be avoided. As in many other cases, " the first 

 cost is the least in the end." 



