CHAPTER V. 



SIMPLE CASES OF CONTRACTION. 



/"CONTRACTION, in a greater or less de- 

 ***J gree, is exhibited by all horses, of every 

 grade, that have been shod in the common 

 way, except in those more unfortunate cases 

 that have resulted in a breaking of the arch 

 of the foot, from lack of the natural frog sup- 

 port, when the phenomena of" dropped sole " 

 are found, and the usual accompaniment of 

 " pumiced feet." 



It may seem superfluous to say that the 

 power and action of the horse are greatly re- 

 stricted by contraction. 



The cartilaginous fibre that forms the bulk 

 of the substance of the foot behind the great 

 back sinew is squeezed into narrow space, 

 the working of the joints compressed, and 

 inflammation at the joints, or at the wings 

 of the coffin-bone, is excited ; in worse cases 

 navicular disease is established, or, from 

 inadequate circulation, thrush holds posses- 



