AND MALFORMATIONS OF THE FEET. 69 



through it assisted by the application of poultices, 

 as recommended under the head of Punctures. 



When the disease has run to a greater length it 

 is necessary to cut through a portion of the crust in 

 addition, so as to allow the matter to escape through 

 it, as well as through the sole. To assist this pro- 

 cess the whole foot should be enveloped in a large 

 poultice for two or three days. It is necessary to 

 observe that this application should not be con- 

 tinued longer than that period, as it is apt, if 

 unduly persevered in, to induce the growth of 

 unhealthy granulations. When the poultice is dis- 

 continued, a simple wet bandage, which will keep 

 the parts sufficiently soft, should be substituted. 



Another, and perhaps the best, mode of treat- 

 ment is to cut away completely all the horn or 

 crust immediately below the fistulous sore. This 

 portion of horn, having by the process of suppu- 

 ration become detached from the living parts, can 

 never be reunited to them. Its complete removal 

 will give immediate relief by affording an exit for 

 the pent-up matter. When the sore is removed, 

 fresh horn will soon be supplied by a fresh growth 

 from the quick. 



When, however, quitter has been neglected, the 

 disease becomes formidable. The fistulse or sinuses 

 caused by the pent-up pus in the interior of the 

 foot will be found to be numerous, extensive, and 

 often ramifying in various directions. In addition 



