DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 245 



likely point the foot, resting on the toe, thus easing 

 the heel. If the hoof is struck lightl v over the re- 

 gion of the cartilage the animal evinces pain. In 

 bad cases the hoof will bulge a little in this part 

 from the growth of the cartilage underneath it. 

 This is a very difficult lameness to cure. 



Treatment : If there is much inflammation ap- 

 ply cold water bandages for a week or two ; then 

 apply a cantharides blister, two drams to the 

 ounce of lard; rub it in well, and let it remain on 

 for twenty-four hours; then wash off. Repeat 

 every second week. If this does not remove the 

 lameness in two or three months then fire it, burn- 

 ing three or four marks on it up and down, taking 

 case not to burn the coronary band. Give the 

 horse several months' rest. 



Contraction of the Foot. — This is not a disease, 

 but the result of disease. Whatever interferes 

 with the health of the foot usually causes a wast- 

 ing of the soft structures, and as a result the hoof 

 follows. It is therefore impossible to get the hoof 

 to contract if the substance underneath it is 

 healthy. It is a law of nature that the hard pari 

 gives way to the soft. There is no more danger of 

 the hoof of a healthy foot contracting than there is 

 of the bark of a healthy tree contracting on its 

 substance. Neither will the dry weather nor the 

 heat of the sun have any effect on the hoof of a 

 healthy foot, so therefore follow nature's steps and 

 you will not be troubled by contraction. 



Treatment for contraction : Remove all causes, 

 if that be possible; if not there is no cure for it. 



