DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 131 



by the other leg. Inspection of the shape and condition of 

 the horny box is exceedingly important, since the physical 

 nature and the size of the hoof must be in proportion to 

 the weight and work of the auimal. Any changes of the 

 foundation of the horse interfering with its duties must 

 create suspicion, and palpation is a necessity in deciding 

 whether the present change is directly or only indirectly 

 concerned in the production of lameness. 



1. Inspection of the Flat Hoof. — The bearing surface of 

 the hoof is round and the angle of the wall of the hoof at 

 the toe is sometimes as little as 30 to 40 degrees. The heels 

 are low and the frog usually of a good size ; the sole is 

 extensive and flat. Such a hoof in itself does not cause 

 lameness, but materially predisposes to it, as bruised sole, 

 corns and interfering are common sequelae. 



2. The Narrow and Upright Hoof. — The angle of the wall 

 of the hoof at the toe is 50 degrees or more, the walls are 

 upright, the shape of the hoof somewhat oval, and the 

 narrowest portion lying between the quarters. Unless the 

 above conditions are not exaggerated, — that is, contraction 

 present, — no lameness is apparent. In heavy horses one 

 quite often finds a hoof like this. Since the size is so out 

 of proportion to the demands of the weight of the body, 

 lameness follows work on hard ground and the auimal 

 becomes " pavement sore "; this painful sensation generally 

 disappears after a little rest. Sprain of the lateral liga- 

 ments of the lower joints is mostly encountered in animals 

 having this sort of a hoof. 



3. Crooked Hoof. — In this kind of hoof, the wall, instead 

 of running in a straight line from the coronet to the bearing 

 surface, deviates perceptibly from its normal coiirsf-, the 

 wall either being concave or convex. Quite frequently one 



