116 OF THE DISEASES 



Horses with narrow or overbent hocks are pre- 

 disposed to curb. Relief is given by lengthening 

 and raising the heels, or by applying a patten shoe, 

 so as to throw the weight more forward, and thus 

 lessen the strain on the ligament at the back of the 

 hock. It will be necessary to combine with this 

 treatment rest for a few days. 



Blisters of cantharides, biniodide of mercury, or 

 iodine are frequently applied in cases of curb, but 

 the lameness will usually go off without them under 

 the treatment recommended above. They are also 

 applied even where no lameness exists, with a view 

 of removing the enlargement, but pretty generally 

 fail in producing the desired effect. Firing, which 

 is sometimes resorted to, has the disadvantage of 

 producing a permanent blemish. 



Though curb is rarely in itself the cause of per- 

 manent lameness, yet it is a very decided indication 

 of weakness in the structure of the hock ; and from 

 this defective formation lameness is likely enough to 

 arise at any time after severe work. 



Thorough- 94. Thoroughpins, like windgalls, have but little 

 direct connection with shoeing, but it must be 

 remembered that any system which gives a natural 

 and level tread, and lessens concussion and the 

 liability to strain, will also diminish the tendency 

 to diseases of this class. Calkins, however, espe- 

 cially if made of the enormous size common in 



