SHOEING. 667 



outer surface, it may bend inward or press upon and break 

 through to the sensible parts. This is called rucking. (See Fig. 

 420.) The nail should be pulled out at once. 



Still another cause of harm is what is termed fitting and 

 drawing the nails too closely. If the nails are driven rather deep 

 and clenched down firmly, they are liable to bend inward and 

 press upon the sensible parts. This is called pinching. If present 

 when the horse is shod, and it is noticed that the nails are driven 

 rather deep for the thickness of the wall, insist upon their being 

 driven farther out. 



An ignorant or thoughtless man may claim there is no danger, 

 when he is driving the nails much too deep. Should the horse 

 show soreness or lameness within three or four days after being 

 shod, especially if he puts the foot forward to ease it, give the 

 matter attention at once. First rest the hand lightly upon the 

 hoof to discover whether there is any unusual heat, and if so, at 

 what point ; next take a light hammer or small stone, and tap 

 lightly round over the nails, until the horse flinches, when the 

 offending nail or nails can be discovered and pulled out. If this 

 is done soon after being shod or during the same day, all that may 

 be necessary to do is to leave the nail out. 



I have had success by pouring a little callendula into the hole. 

 In one case, where there was considerable soreness a few hours 

 after being shod, though the horse was quite lame on account of 

 the nail being driven too deep, after pulling out the nail, a little cal- 

 lendula was poured in, and the shoe again put on, and the horse in 

 a few hours was free from lameness. But if he shows lameness in 

 a day or so after being shod, cut away the wall from around the 

 hole, so as to let out any matter which may have formed. Next 

 poultice the foot until the inflammation subsides, then cover the 

 hole with a little digestive ointment (which is made by melting 

 together equal parts of tar and hog's lard, and stirring till cool), 

 over which put a little tow and put on the shoe. 



More especial directions will be given under the head of 

 Pricking, Rucking, Nail in the Foot, etc., in Medical Department. 



