SHOEING. 



709 



suddenly lamed, it is probably caused by straining the coffin-joint, 



which would be indicated by its being unable to bear pressure 



upon the frog. In such 



a case the horse 



go decidedly worse on 



rough, stony roads or 



down hill, where there is 



liability to severe inci- 

 dental pressure being 



brought against the frog. 



For such a condition of 



lameness, the shoe should 



be made with high heels 



and rounding toe no toe 



calks. The calks should 



be gradually shortened 



as there is improvement. 



If the lameness came on 



gradually, and especially 



if it set in at a time 



when the feet were very dry and hard, it was probably caused by 



some slight inflammation, the result of contraction and fever ; 



because when the feet are very dry and feverish, the hoof becomes 



smaller, causing increased pres- 

 sure upon the soft parts and lat- 

 eral cartilages. There may be 

 also some inflammation or a mor- 

 bid condition of the coffin-joint. 

 If any contraction is noticeable, 

 the feet should be softened and 

 treated as explained under that 

 head. 



If, however, the object is to 



FIG. 553. Form of shoe that may bu used. 



FIG. 554. Form of shoe for covering 

 a weak, thin sole. 



shoe the horse for present use, 

 simply raise the heels a lit- 

 tle and round the toe. If there 

 is but little soreness or want of mobility, then let the shoe be an 

 ordinary flat one, with the toe turned up like that of an old shoe 

 considerably worn. Great care should be used in taking off and 



