DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 387 



cause false quarter, and from the tendency of matter to burrow 

 beneath the horn and in the supporting fibrous network to form 

 2i fistula. They should be thoroughly cleansed from all sand 

 and mud, the inflammation subdued by soothing applications 

 (wet bandages or weak astringent lotions), and care taken to 

 prevent the further introduction of dirt. To this end a simple 

 covering of tar will sometimes suffice, but in other cases a 

 carefully applied bandage is essential. Muddy roads should 

 be avoided until healing is complete. 



FI.STULA OF THE CORONET. QUITTOR. 



Causes. — Treads and other wounds of the coronet ; suppur- 

 ating corns, bruises, pricks and wounds of the sole ; suppuration 

 from the working in of sand or gravel between the sole and 

 wall ; irritation from sand-cracks and false quarters, and disease 

 of the coffin-bone or its cartilage. 



Symptoms. — Following on some one of the above disorders 

 there is a tender swelling at the coronet, which bursts, dis- 

 charging a more or less whitish serous fluid, and shows no 

 tendency to dry up nor clo.se. If probed it is found to lead 

 into one or more small canals in the fibrous network which 

 covers the bone and elastic structures of the foot, and it may 

 be to diseased or dead portions of bone or gristle. 



Treatment. — If the inflammation is very violent the foot 

 should be enveloped in a large poultice aud a laxative admin- 

 istered. When moderated, inject a slightly caustic solution in 

 the direction of each canal, and as far as possible. (Bichloride 

 of mercury 5 grains, spirits of wine i oz., muriatic acid 20 

 drops.) Less depends on the composition of the mixture than 

 on the application. Inject it three times the first day, twice 

 the second, and once a day thereafter. When the discharge 

 has ceased and the wound is almost superficial, stop the injec- 

 tion and apply a simple dressing of wet low. In aggravated 

 cases, with disease of the lateral cartilage or bone, these may 



