CHAPTER IV. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE STEUCTURES ENCLOSED 



BY THE HOOF. 



1. Pricks m Shoeing 



liESULT from misdirection of the nail in driving, in consequence 

 either of the driver's carelessness, or (and much more fre- 

 quently) of badly-punched nail-holes. They may be divided 

 into two kinds, direct and indirect. 



The effects of the first are immediately perceptible, those of 

 the second may be delayed. 



In cases of direct injury the nail penetrates the sensitive 

 sole or wall, and the lesion may vary from simple perforation 

 to fracture of the edge of the os pedis. There is always bleed- 

 ing, though the blood may not be seen. 



In the second case the nail does not penetrate vascular 

 tissues, but passes close to them, thrusting the soft horn 

 inwards, pressing on sensitive structures, and in the course of a 

 few days producing inllammation and lameness. There is no 

 bleeding. This condition is often termed ' binding.' 



Symptoms. — The first symptom of direct injury is pain, 

 shown by the limlj being pulled away, and intimating to the 

 farrier that the nail has taken a wrong course. When removed, 

 more or less blood follows the nail or discolours its point, but 

 bleeding may occur inwardly without being visible. It is 

 otherwise when the foot at some part is bound or indirectly 

 injured. Pain is not then immediately evinced, or at least not 

 until the animal places weight on the foot. If attempts are 

 made to raise the opposite foot the horse leans in that direction 

 and appears uneasy. The effects of indirect pricks usually 

 become apparent in from two to three days, but may be post- 

 poned for eight to fourteen days, when inflammation and lame- 



