SANDCKACK OF CORONAEY MARGIN AND BARS. 371 



turned out barefooted, though an exception must be made as 

 regards those with sandcrack starting from the bearing 

 surface. 



If during the first few days there is inflammation and lame- 

 ness cold poultices may be applied. When lameness is absent 

 horses may be used for slow work. Carriage and riding horses 

 should not be used at a fast pace until at least half an inch of 

 sound horn has grown. 



O' 



(b) Sandcrack of the Bars 



nearly always results from deformity of the heels, produced by 

 contraction or by allowing the heels to become too high. It 

 almost invariably affects fore-feet and is generally accompanied 

 by corns. When it exposes the sensitive structures, superficial 

 inflammation and lameness supervene. The limb is knuckled 

 over at the fetlock during rest, and unless treatment is at once 

 commenced, the inflammation extends to deeper-seated struc- 

 tures as far even as the plantar cushion, the bulb of the heel on 

 the afi'ected side shows tumefaction and severe lameness results, 

 which demands the attention of the veterinary surgeon. 



The bars form part of the most yielding portion of the hoof. 

 The crack alternately opens and shuts during movement and 

 tends to increase in length, while the sensitive parts become 

 irritated and inflamed. By paring the parts after removal of 

 the shoe, the split is seen as a black line, which exudes a 

 little of the grey horn pus, or, in severe cases, even blood. 

 Treatment should be directed towards producing a fresh growth 

 of sound horn. The borders of the crack are to be entirely 

 removed, the surrounding horn thoroughly thinned, and the 

 affected heel wall relieved of all shoe pressure. The heel w^all 

 is lowered and a bar shoe with leather sole and stopping 

 applied. Eemoval of the margins of the crack may leave a 

 deep groove, especially in upright hoofs. If the bottom of 

 this groove appears moist, a little tampon of tow moistened 

 with tincture of myrrh or aloes is inserted, and the space 

 filled with wax. The crack gradually closes, if due precautions 

 be taken. 



