410 INFLAMMATION OF STRUCTURES ENCLOSED BY THE HOOF. 



ground, the pedal or navicular bone may be fractured. Not 

 infrequently the flexor tendons undergo a kind of colloid de- 

 generation and become ruptured. 



So far as shoeing is concerned, tlie before-mentioned prin- 

 ciples apply. Bar shoes are contra-indicated and horses usually 

 go best in ordinary shoes, especially those which raise the back 

 of the hoof, that is, shoes with thick heels or with calkins. 

 Attempts may with advantage be made to dilate the hoof and 

 to diminish concussion. The action of a shoe which raises the 

 back of the hoof will immediately be seen from the diagram- 

 matic figs. 386, 387, and 388. 



The improvement produced by high heels depends on the 

 concussion being conveyed in greater degree to the pedal bone, 

 while pressure on the perforans tendon is diminished. 



11. Curb, Strain of Flexor Tendons, and Capped Elbow. 



Special shoes have been devised for the treatment of each of 

 these conditions. A few notes on some of those more com- 

 monly employed are given below. 



STAMPED WEDGE-HEELED HIND SHOE 



(Figs. 389, 390). 



Made from f X -I- inch iron. 



The above shoe is intended to give relief in cases of curb, 

 spavin, or injury to ligaments and tendons, by raising the heels 

 of the hind-foot. Should the horse not be lame or be adjudged 

 by the veterinary surgeon to be capable of light work, he may 

 be worked in this shoe. 



The height of the wedges is l| inches. 



