392 INFLAMMATION OF STRUCTUKES ENCLOSED BY THE HOOF. 



strain is common. In this respect, as in many others, shoeing 

 is a necessary evil. 



The prognosis is influenced by the conformation of the limbs 

 and condition of the lateral cartilages, etc. Turning out or in 

 of the toe, weakness of the quarters, and (especially) ossification 

 of the lateral cartilage are all unfavourable factors. 



The general treatment of corns, from whatever cause arising, 

 is tolerably constant, save when side bones are present, in 

 which case bar shoes are objected to by some. The consequences 

 depend not on the colour of the horn, etc., but on the position 

 of the injury, on the degree of pain associated with it, and 

 on the cause. As in other diseased conditions, removal of 

 the cause plays an important part in treatment. Trifling 

 bruises producing little pain and accompanied by slight extra- 

 vasation of blood soon become converted into dry corns. Over- 

 grown toes should be shortened, excessively high heels lowered, 

 and a shoe applied which interferes as little as possible with 

 the function of any part of the hoof. Before nailing on the 

 shoe the posterior part of the bearing surface of the heel is 

 often lowered -|- inch, so as to prevent pressure and pain, but 

 the use of a shoe ' set ' at the heel is preferable. 



When pain is so marked as to indicate extensive injury and 

 severe extravasation of blood, the shoe should be removed, the 

 horn thinned, the foot placed in warm boracic acid or per- 

 manganate of potash lotion for an hour or two, and poultices 

 then applied, to diminish the inflammation, and, if possible, 

 prevent suppuration. If, in spite of this, pain increases, 

 suppuration has generally set in. 



By careful examination the pus is found, and should be 

 allowed free exit. The most direct way is the best, proAdded 

 it necessitates no injury of healthy soft tissues or the removal 

 of excessive quantities of horn. The first object must, how- 

 ever, be to provide free drainage ; even when pus has reached 

 the coronet, an opening should be provided below. 



A warm foot-bath often facilitates the discharge, especially 

 when the pus is thick or inspissated. Once pain is removed, 

 the horse can be shod. The shoe must protect the diseased 

 parts from external bruises and internal strain ; a well- 

 constructed bar shoe is usually best. This transfers, without 

 damage, the weight of the body from the diseased to the sound 



