944 



DISEASES AND THEIK TKEATMENT. 



If the nails are driven so deep as to bind, which, as before 

 stated, is a very common occurrence, particularly in feet with 

 thin hoofs, the first thing to do is to remove the nails; if much 

 inflammation, poultice until relieved; then let the shoe extend 

 farther out under the crust, and drive smaller nails, using care 

 not to drive deep. 



If a nail has been driven into the foot, get the horse to the 

 stable as quick as you can, and take off the shoe. If not done before, 



FIG. 810. A dried hoof from a diseased foot, with frog and half the sole 

 removed. From Gamgee, on Lameness. 



remove the nail, glass, or whatever it is, from the foot carefully. 

 See that no part remains, and remove a little of the hoof from 

 around the opening. Drop a few drops of Friar's balsam or com- 

 pound tincture of benzoin into the orifice, both of which can be 

 obtained in almost any drug store. If this is not obtainable, use 

 the simple digestive ointment (given under head of Cuts), and 

 cover the foot with a large flax-seed poultice. If the injury is at 

 all severe, give a sharp dose of physic, and let the animal stand 

 quiet. The object is to keep down inflammation. No hot oils or 

 anything stirnnltitincj its to he applied. If there is much in- 



