152 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



corns, thrusli aud rigidity of the lioruy box are common 

 complications in old cases of contraction. To test the 

 rigidity of the horny box, of some moment in diagnosing 

 this trouble, the thumbs are rested upon the bars, the palm 

 and the other fingers upon the region of the heels, and a 

 gradual compression will give one a fair idea of the elasticity 

 of the horny box at the quarters. 



Fig. 30. 

 Unilateral contraction. 



CONTRACTION OF THE SOLE ONLY, 



This condition is rather uncommon. Lameness is more 

 apt to increase on soft than on hard ground, and generally 

 follows unusual exertion or recent shoeing. The application 

 of the hoof-tester reveals no pain unless the centre of the 

 sole is pinched. When only one hoof is thus affected, the 

 difference in the concavity of the sole is readily noticed, th.^ 

 contracted one being more concave. Upon inspection the 

 outer edge of the inferior border of tlie wall shows one t)r 

 the other portion, usually at the toe or quarters, to be bent 



