^40 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



definite period reappear either in the same foot or its fellow. 

 The rheumatoid form is thus manifested. 2d. By a slow and 

 insidious process in one or both feet, and this is the most 

 common form ; tlie first noticeable si^n being pointing of the 

 foot, succeeded after a time by " shorbiess of the step " and 

 lameness, which may be of a transitory character. For example, 

 " a horse may quit tlie stable apparently sound, and it very often 

 happens that the rider or driver may fancy that the horse now 

 and then goes lame. The foot is examined, and notliing found, 

 and next morning he may seem all rij^ht again. The next 

 journey perhaps, or rapid work, brings back tlie lameness, whidi 

 after a little rest and a poultice to tlie foot disajjpears again ; he 

 may perhaps favour it a little, but there is nothing of consa- 

 auence the matter, but in tlie end, if tlie fast work is continued 

 the case becomes confirmed."— (Percfvall.) 



The dia'Tnostic signs of navicular lameness are — 1st. Negative ; 

 2d. Positive. (1.) The negative signs are tlie absence of injurA 

 to any part of the limb, and of any apparent disease. These are 

 diagnostic of foot lameness, and are of importance, as they limit 

 the seat of the disease to the foot This region must now bo 

 explored, and lameness in tlie foot may exist from various 

 causes, but in each variety the signs are different. If laminitis 

 be present, there will be heat, tenderness, &c. If a corn be tho 

 cause, its presence is easily, detected ; in fact, in neaily eveiy 

 other form, except navicular artluitis, there will be some appre- 

 ciable sign ; but in the disease in question — if we except occa- 

 sional heat and tenderness in the hollow of the heel, or redness 

 of the, fro" and sole immediately below tho navicular bursa — 

 there "will be no apparent sign. The rednes'j of the frog and 

 'sole, now and then met with, is veiy characteristic when really 

 due to navicular disease ; but it is not always to bo depended 

 upon, as it may arise from external injuiy, such as treading 

 upon a stone, and may be superficial only. Pointing of tho foot 

 or feet, although a most valuable adjunct to a correct conduaion 

 ■when taken along with other signs, is of itself quite insufficient 

 to mark the seat of the lameness ; for it may depend upon otlier 

 causes, such as splint, sprain, ring-bone, &c. ; or an animal may 

 point and be perfectly free from any unsoundness. This " point- 

 in'' " may be a niere habit, or a sign of fatigue. In such 

 instances, however, it diflers in its character from the f'-ioting 



