780 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



the foot is found hot, and as a result of the increased heat, con- 

 traction may set in, the hoof becoming dry and brittle. He steps 

 on his toe, and when standing, points his foot, that is, places his 

 foot in front, resting on the toe ; and if both feet are involved, 

 which is not uncommon, alternating the feet. Contraction is not 



an invariable symptom, as feet 

 are subject to it that are en- 

 tirely free from contraction. 



Often the foot is found to be 

 round and apparently healthy, 

 the most careful examination 

 by the owner, or smith, not 

 enabling him to locate any cause 

 for the trouble. In ordinary 

 cases the horse will show no ap- 

 parent lameness while on a 

 walk ; but on a trot may flinch 

 considerably, showing a great 

 tendency to stumble.* Driving 

 down-hill, or on a rough, cob- 

 bly road, will greatly aggravate 

 the lameness, because going 

 down-hill increases the force of 

 concussion; and a stony or un- 

 even road so wrenches and 



FIG. 688. Usual appearance of foot 

 with chronic coffin-joint lameness. 



strains the joint, or exposes the frog to such incidental pressure, 

 as to greatly increase the pain and soreness. In some cases of 

 acute strain, the lameness may be quite marked, the horse being 

 scarcely able to walk, and when he does, keeping the foot flexed 

 by walking upon the toe, and when standing, resting the toe upon 

 the ground. As this acute stage passes off, which will usually be in 

 one or two weeks, the animal will seem to have grown much better, 

 at times perhaps appear quite well, then grow suddenly worse 

 again, depending upon the part of the joint involved and the road 

 he is traveling on. He will go better on hard, smooth, sanely 

 roads, but on soft, yielding ground, is liable to grow lamer, if the 



* In some cases, usually fast trotters, the horse may at first only point, and 

 gradually show a little soreness or stiffness at starting, or what is termed bobbing 

 dropping the head. Irritation in these cases is induced very slowly, as hereafter 

 explained. The principle of treatment is the same, prompt removal of the cause 

 of irritation, developing healthy circulation in the parts, and aiding mobility. 



