DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 133 



rheumatism. The reverse is true of the soft hoof with its 

 yielding horn. The horn has a constant tendency to break, 

 not in the direction of the horn tubules, as in the dry, hard 

 hoof, but at a right angle to them. Disintegration of the 

 horn at the bearing surface, especially when shod at short 

 intervals, is seen, pieces of the wall crumbling off. As the 

 horn often yields under the weight of the body, dislocation 

 of the wall, with pressure upon the sensitive parts, results, 

 and is subsequently followed by an intractable lameness, 

 particularly on hard ground. Corns and ridges are common 

 in hoofs having this quality of horn. 



Hoof lameness in colts, which should be a rare sight, but is 

 not, is probably due to the fact that the little hoof is chiefly 

 treated with contempt while developing, instead of receiv- 

 ing the care this important structure demands. In this 

 country, where the interchange of horses from one section 

 to another is so frequent and extensive, hoof lameness in 

 the young horse is not uncommon. Undoubtedly difficulties 

 are constantly met with in deciding the normality or abnor- 

 mality of the physical nature of the horn and form of the 

 hoof. Therefore any conclusions as to whether the hoof is 

 within physiological limits or not, are to be based upon these 

 points. Moist pastures predispose to flat feet, as the moist 

 and elastic horn under the weight of the body has a ten- 

 dency to spread, thus furthering sole formation ; upright 

 and narrow hoofs are the result of the contrary influences, 

 as the hard, dry ground renders the horn unyielding and 

 sole formation is interfered with. The same follow improper 

 or neglected paring, too early shoeing and faulty positions 

 of the limbs. 



The surface of the wall of the hoof is often covered with 

 ridges, generally running parallel with the coronary band. 



