146 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE, 



usually designated as dry, moist and suppurating corns 

 respectively, — terms of exceedingly doubtful value. Hoofs 

 continuously afflicted with corns are quite characteristic in 

 their conformation. The wall at the quarters is often covered 

 with ridges, which do not run parallel with the coronary 

 cushion, and the heels of such a hoof are wanting in uni- 

 formity. Two other conditions closely related to corns are 

 bruised sole and bruised heels ; both are frequently met with 

 in flat-footed horses when going barefooted or improperly 

 shod. Bruised sole is identified by the same reddish spots 

 in the white line or sole as corns, the only difference being 

 the location. Lameness accompanying corns or bruised 

 sole is the consequence of either a superficial or a paren- 

 chymatous inflammation of the podophyllous memdrane. 



7.— Side BoneSo 



laspedion. — When walkii)g, weight is chiefly borne dy the 

 toe, which is put to the ground first ; the animal steps lightly 

 uptjn the posterior half of the hoof, and the phalanges show 

 more or less volar flexion. When both feet are diseased the 

 gait is stiff and the animal takes short steps. Inspection of 

 the shoe shows least wear over the diseased quarter. Quite 

 often contraction of the wall at the quarter of the afflicted 

 side is apparent, and the wall is ridged. 



Palpation. — The seat of the lameness is readily recognized 

 when ossification is complete. To test the elasticity of the 

 cartilages the foot is raised, the thumbs placed upon the 

 inside and outside quarters respectively, and the other 

 fingers, resting against the upper border of the cartilages, 

 pull them in an outward direction. Any difference in the 

 elasticity of the cartilage is thus easily detected. This test 

 is of no value when only the lower portion of the fibre 



