SECTIOlsr III. 



THE SHOEING OF DISEASED FEET 

 AND OF LAME HORSES. 



On account of the intimate coniioctiou and interaction 

 between the hoof and the linil) above it, changes in one part 

 are usually associated with changes in the other, and it is not 

 always possible to draw a sharp line between sound action and 

 lameness. Disease of the limb may produce changes in the 

 form and condition of the foot, while, vice versa, changes in the 

 foot or faults in shoeing may be followed by disease in the 

 limb. The diagnosis of disease of the hoof and limb is chiefly 

 the function of the veterinary surgeon. l)ut the instructed 

 farrier should possess at least an elementary knowledge, 

 because it is his duty, on the one hand, to avoid inducing 

 disease, and, on the other, to prevent or minimise its evil 

 •effects. 



CHAPTER I. 



INFLAMMATION^ WITHIN THE HOOF. 



Lameness is usually produced by a localised disease process, 

 consisting of interference with nutrition and its resulting 

 phenomena, which are recognised under the title of inflamma- 

 tion. The first stage of inflammation is indicated by the 

 sudden determination of blood to the part. This is followed 

 by congestion and even by complete stoppage of circulation in 



