328 INFLAMMATION OF THE HOOF. 



Substitutes for Horn. 



De Fay's hoof cement was the first material introduced 

 for the treatment of cracks, etc., in the wall. It consists of 

 purified gutta-percha and gum ammoniacum. The gutta-percha 

 is softened in water, divided into pieces the size of a hazel 

 nut, mixed with an equal proportion of gum ammoniacum and 

 melted in a vessel of tinned iron over a slow fire. The mass is 

 slowly stirred until thoroughly mixed, when it has the colour 

 and appearance of chocolate. Lastly, it is formed into sticks. 

 Thus prepared, it is hard at ordinary temperatures, and is, 

 therefore, suited for use in summer ; softer mixtures for winter 

 use can be prepared by increasing the proportion of gutta- 

 percha. 



De Fay's artificial horn closely resembles natural horn in 

 consistence and toughness. It can readily be softened and 

 moulded, is insoluble in water, and adheres very firmly to the 

 hoof. It may be employed to build up too low a wall or to 

 replace lost portions; to close sandcracks and thus prevent 

 entrance of dirt ; in the various forms of dropped sole to raise 

 the bearing surface of the wall in seedy toe, or, before applying 

 a bar shoe, to build up the frog if atrophied and functionally 

 inactive. 



It should not, however, be resorted to in cases of loose wall, 

 because, after hardening, it acts as a wedge and increases the 

 separation. In use it is warmed till fluid, and applied with a 

 spatula to the part to be filled up or raised. To smooth off 

 the surface the spatula is moderately heated and once more 

 passed over it. 



Before applying the composition, the horn should be freed 

 from grease, thoroughly dried and slightly roughened. To 

 remove grease, the parts are rubbed over with a few drops of 

 sulphuric ether or benzolin applied on a pledget of tow. As 

 repeated heating injures the qualities of the mass, it is advis- 

 able to melt only the exact amount needed on each occasion. 



Until recently this was the best known material for repair- 

 ing and replacing horn, but of late another and better material 

 has been produced. It is a German preparation, and is termed 

 * huflederkitt.' As purchased, it resembles leather, is reddish- 



