88 OF THE DISEASES 



bone is frequently ulceration, and caries or decay. 

 In some cases, however, the inflammation produces 

 union between the bone and the tendon. 



The inflammation of a bursa, and subsequent 

 and consequent inflammation of a neighbouring 

 bone, is common enough in all parts where similar 

 structures exist. 



Horses affected by navicular disease, as is well 

 known, tread and stand much on their toes, or, in 

 the language of the stable, they " point." They are 

 greatly relieved, as most horsemen know, by having 

 their toes shortened, and by an extension of the 

 same principle, namely, the use of turned-up shoes. 



Now why is this ? At first sight, shortening or 

 turning-up the toes would seem like taking away 

 that part of the foot on which alone the horse can 

 stand with ease and comfort ; it would seem a 

 measure calculated to throw weight on the hinder 

 part of the foot — the seat of the disease. 



To answer this question, it is only necessary to 

 remember the origin and cause of the disease, viz. 

 the undue strain on the tendon. The shortening 

 and turning-up of the toe diminishes the angle at 

 which the tendon passes over the navicular bone, 

 and therefore diminishes the strain on it at that 

 bend. The horse himself seeks for relief on the 

 same principle by pointing in the stable, namely, 

 by bringing his leg into a straight line, and thereby 

 lessening the strain on the tendon at its bend 



