170 THE HOUSE AND ITS DISEASES. 



Narrow webbed shoes are frequently the cause of bruises 

 of the feet, by leaving the sole ratlier unprotected ; 

 another cause is, the smith paring too much of the sole, 

 or pricking him whilst putting on the shoe. 



Corns. 



This disease of the foot is termed corns, bearing the 

 resemblance to the corn of a human being. It has a red 

 appearance, and is more spongy and softer than any 

 other part. The horse flinches when this portion of the 

 horn is pressed upon, and there is occasional or 

 permanent lameness. "WT^ien it is neglected, so much 

 inflammation is produced in that part of the sensible 

 sole, that suppuration follows, and to that quittor, and 

 the matter either undermines the horny sole, or is 

 discharged at the coronet. When the foot becomes 

 contracted, the part of the sole enclosed between the 

 external crust which is wrung in, and the bars which 

 jce' opposing that contraction, is squeezed, as it were in 

 a vice, and becomes inflamed, hence it is rare to see a 

 contracted foot without corns. In the great majority of 

 cases, the corn is confined to the inner quarter of the 

 foot or crust. 



Hemedies. — When a corn first appears, it is not 

 difficult, by proper means, to remove it completely, but 

 when it has existed for some time, the injured parts 

 become weakened, and the diseased action of throwing 

 out blood, instead of secreting horn, becomes familiar to 

 them. As soon, therefore, as it is discovered, the cure 

 should be immediately attempted ; first, by removing 

 with a fine drawing knife, eveiy portion of the diseased 

 horn around, and the whole of the extravasation like- 

 wise, avoiding, however, to wound the sensible sole 

 underneath ; having done this, introduce any ,caastic 

 liquid, as butter of antimony, into the opening, which 

 will act on the sensible sole, by destroying the unsound 

 parts, and stimulating tlie remainder to a healthy 

 secretion of horn. 



