DISEASES OF THE FOOT, 495 



lame, and often continues so for life. This disease admits of 

 remedy to a very considerable extent; no one, however, but 

 a skilful veterinary surgeon is capable of successfully under- 

 taking it. 



Sand-crack is a division of the crust of the hoof from the 

 upper part bf it downward. It bespeaks brittleness of the foot, 

 and often arises from a single false step. If the crack has not 

 penetrated through the horn, it must, nevertheless, be pared 

 fairly out, and generally a coating of pitch should be bound 

 round the foot. If the crack has reached the quick, that must 

 be done which ought to be done in every case— a skilful surgeon 

 should be consulted, otherwise false quarter may ensue. 



False Quarter is a division of the ligament by which the 

 crust is secreted. It is one of the varieties of sand-crack, and 

 exceedingly difficult of cure. 



Tread, or over-reach, is a clumsy habit of setting one foot 

 upon or braising the other. It should immediately and care- 

 fully be attended to, or a bad case of quittor may ensue. Fo- 

 mentations in the first instance, and,, if much inflammation 

 exists, poultices, to be followed by a mild styptic ; tincture of 

 myrrh, or Friar's balsam, will soon effect a cure. 



Quittor is the formation of little pipes between the crust and 

 the hoof, by means of which the purulent matter secreted from 

 some wound beneath the crust makes its escape. The healing 

 of this, and of every species of prick or wound in the sole or 

 crust, is often exceedingly difficult. 



Corns are said to exist when the posterior part of tlie foot 

 between the external crust and the bars is unnaturally contract- 

 ed, and becomes inflamed. Corns are the consequence of con- 

 tinued and unnatural pressure. The cure of corns must be 

 attempted by removing the cause — namely, the pressure. 



Thrush is the consequence of filth and unnatural pressure on 

 the frog. It is the cause and the effect of contraction, wJiethcr 

 it is found in the heels of the fore feet or the hinder ones. It is 

 not difficult of cure when taken in time; but when neglected, it 

 often becomes a very serious matter. Cleanliness, fomentations, 

 dressing the part with tincture of myrrh, and frequent applica- 

 tions of tar, are the best remedies. 



Canekb is the consequence of thrush, or, indeed, of almost 



