^ Side Bones, 223 



Symptoms. — Lameness is not invariably present, but the 

 action of the horse is ^^stilty f the feet are contracted, altered 

 in form, flat or convex in the sole, and weak in the heels. 



The presence of the side bones may be detected by pressing 

 upon the cartilages ; when in health these are yielding and 

 elastic, but when ossified they lose this character and are 

 hard, enlarged and unyielding. 



The lameness of side bones differs from that caused by 

 ring bones. In side bone lameness the toe of the foot is first 

 brought to the ground ; when both feet are involved, there 

 are a shortness of step and a want of elasticity in the action, 

 resembling that of "grogginess'^ (p. 209). 



Treatment. — This must be by the use of the bar shoe ; 

 rest to the limb ; counter-irritation by blisters and firing. 

 Removal of the cartilages with the knife has been tried in 

 France, but without satisfactory results. 



