Treatment of Quittor. 209 



cutting their sides freely, and then syringing them with the 

 stimulant above mentioned (No. 220). 



If the quittor is near the front of the foot these proced- 

 ures must be carried out with care not to injure the joint, 

 which is there close to the surface. 



A horse with quittor should not be worked, as it greatly 

 retards recovery, or renders it impossible. It is also essential 

 that during the cure his general system be well supported by 

 nourishing diet, healthy surroundings and tonic medicines, 

 "when called for, 



NAVICITLAR DISEASE— CONTBACTION OF THE FOOT— (JROGGINESS. 



Definition. — An inflammation of the surface of the navic- 

 ular bone, extending, occasionally, to its interior and to the 

 tendon which passes over its surface, as well as to adjacent 

 parts. 



Causes. — This disease is said, by Prof. Williams, to be the 

 most fertile cause of lameness, that we know of, in high-bred 

 horses. For a long time its exact nature was doubtful, and 

 even yet there is not an entire agreement among veterinary 

 authorities; but the definition, above given, expresses the 

 most recent views. It is believed that a rheumatic constitu- 

 tion predisposes it; and that a bad fitting shoe, sudden and 

 violent exertion, and over-strain of various kinds, bring it 

 on. Racing and hunting horses are those most subject to it. 



Symptoms. — The lameness it produces may be sudden in 

 its onset, or it may have been preceded by " pointing '' of the 

 foot, and shortness of step. The chief signs of the disease, 

 are : a short, tripping gait, turning in of the heels, wearing 

 away of the toe of the shoe, pointing of the limb while stand- 

 ing, and wasting of the muscles of the ghoulder — what is 

 called a sweeny (though this may arise from various other 

 diseases). The motion is stiif and peculiar, and once care- 



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