CHAPTER XXI. 



SHOEING.* 



THE foot of the horse is composed of two series of parts ; the 

 one internal, organized and sensitive ; the other external, formed 

 of a horny, organic matter, but possessing no vital property or 

 sensibility. 



A. The internal parts are : 



1. Bones to the number of three ; the 

 third phalanx, the lowest portion of 

 the framework of the member, which 

 is continued on its sides and rear by 

 elastic prolongations forming the base 

 of the heel, the lateral jibro-cartilage 

 (which gives a longitudinal section of 

 the foot) ; the second phalanx, imme- 

 diately above the third, with which it 

 articulates; and the navicular, shaped 

 like a weaver's shuttle, situated be- 

 hind the third phalanx, of which it 

 forms the complement. These three 

 bones together form the articulation 

 of the foot. See Figs. 365, 366. 



2. Special ligaments which connect 

 per pastern ; e. Lower pastern ; these bones to each other, placed chiefly 



/. Coffin bone; g. Navicular on the sides of the bones. 



3. Tendons, which serve the three- 

 fold use of agents for the transmission of motion, of a means of 

 fastening the bones, and of organs for suspending the weight of 

 the body. These tendons are three in number : an extensor in 

 front and two flexors behind ; first, the perforator ; second, the 

 perforated. See Figs. 369, 370. 



FIG. 365. Bones of the foot. 



a. Cannon or Shank; 6. Sesa- 

 amoids; c. Fetlock joint; d. Up- 



* From Outline of Structure of the Foot. 

 (580) 



By M. BOULEY. 



