USE OF STRAPS, TAPE, ETC., FOR SANDCRACK. 



369 



The methods 1 to 4 are applicable where the crack 

 follows the direction of the horny fibres, but are of no value 

 where the margins are irregular, zigzag, wavy, or overlapping. 

 In the latter case the parts should be thoroughly thinned with 

 a rasp or fine searcher, but bleeding should be avoided. The 

 animal is then shod and the strap (5) or linen tape applied. 

 All these methods act by bringing the edges of the crack 

 together, and minimising movement at the coronet. 



Grosswendt in 1888 suggested another method for use in spe- 

 cial cases. As the crack was open and filled with granulations 

 from the sensitive parts, riveting would have been useless (or 

 worse). Grosswendt, therefore, applied a wooden wedge, thrust 

 between the edges of the crack, thus holding it open. With 

 suitable local treatment he effected a cure. 



(a) Sanclcrack originating at the Coronary Margin 



is the form most commonly seen. In seeking the best method 

 •of shoeing it should be borne in mind that everything which 

 renders the hoof broad and strong, improves its form, and 

 relieves the diseased portion of the wall of pressure, favours 

 recovery. Accordingly, tips, dilating shoes, bar shoes, and stop- 

 pings which cause counter-pressure on the sole assist recovery. 



Fig. 351.— Hodf shod for sandcrack of the toe. 



Fig. 352.— Hoof shod with l)ar shoe for 

 quarter crack. The part of the waU 

 which has been ' eased' is shown by 

 dotted lines. 



1. Toe sandcrack is best treated bv trimmincr the hoof so 

 as to give a level tread and by applying a shoe with two toe- 

 clips. The nail holes should be punched somewhat further 

 back than usual. The edges of the crack may be fixed together 

 by metal plates (fig. 351) or by the insertion of a few rivets or 



2 A 



