174 LAMENESS OP THE HORSE 



in this manner for any great length of time or until a more 

 rational mode of treatment becomes necessary so that the sub- 

 ject may experience a cessation of the inconvenience or distress. 



The general plan which meets with the approval of most prac- 

 titioners consists in careful leveling of the foot and removing 

 enough of the wall and sole at the quarters to make possible frog 

 pressure by means of a bar shoe. With frog pressure, expansion 

 of the heel follows in time, and permanent relief is obtainnble 

 in this manner. Thinning the wall of the quarter is advocated 

 by many jn-aetitioners and is undoubtedly beneficial in chronic 

 cases where marked contraction has taken place. The wall must 

 be thinned with a rasp until it is readily flexible by compressing 

 with the thumbs. 



There are instances, however, where corns and contraction of 

 the heel have existed so long that they do not yield to treat- 

 ment. Such cases are found in old light-harness or saddle-horses 

 that have been more or less lame for years and where there exists 

 marked contraction of the heels, rough hoof walls, and hard and 

 atrophied frogs. 



Suppurating corns require surgical attention in the way of 

 removal of the purulent necrotic mass and making provision 

 for drainage. Dry dressings, such as equal parts of zinc sulphate 

 and boric acid, may be employed to pack the cavity. After the 

 infectious condition has been controlled, and the wound is dry, 

 the same plan of treatment is indicated that is em{)loyed in the 

 non-suppurating corn. Ample time is allowed, however, for the 

 surgically invaded tissues to granulate and, if the subject is to 

 be put in service, a leather pad, under which there has been 

 packed oakum and tar. affords good protection. 



Quittor. 



This name is enqdoyed to designate an infectious inflamnui- 

 tion of the lateral cartilage and adjoining structures. The 

 disease is characterized by a slowly progressive necrosis and by 

 a destruction of moi'e or less of the cartilage and by the presence 

 of fistulous tracts. 



Etiology and Occurrence. — The disease is due to the intro- 

 duction of pus {)roducing organisms into the subcoronary region 



