17 



The importance of a knowledge of the peculiarities of form 

 and structure of the various organs and tissues of which the 

 foot is composed, will be best appreciated when disease has in- 

 vaded them, and every available means are being employed to 

 combat the invader. On such occasions I am accustomed to 

 say that the case requires, and should have, every chance there 

 is in its favor, however apparently trifling, to expedite recovery. 

 An apparently trifling chance will frequently turn the scale for, 

 or against, the animal's recovery, and the reputation of the 

 practitioner. 



The amateur student may not be aware that considerable 

 diversity of opinion exists not only in the great body of the 

 veterinary profession, but even amongst its leading teachers 

 and writers; not only upon the functions of the different 

 organs that compose the foot, but of those of the pedal organ 

 itself. 



Even the anatomical structure of the foot, usually deemed a 

 science of fact and of demonstration, so prolific is the foot of 

 the horse in contrariety of views, does not command absolute 

 unanimity of opinion. 



As to the specific diseases of the equine foot, there are still 

 wider divergencies of sentiment and opinion concerning their 

 causes and treatment amongst the literary luminaries of the 

 profession. These, however, will be reviewed in the section 

 devoted to the consideration of the diseases of the foot. 



It will be seen, by and by, what an important connection 

 there is between a correct knowledge of healthy functions of 

 the several parts of the foot, and the right application of prin- 

 ciples for the prevention and removal of its morbid conditions. 



A study of the physiological laws can alone afford a satis- 

 factory basis for the consideration of the phenomenal changes 

 which inevitably succeed a violation of these laws. The better 

 the laws of health, and the causes and symptoms of disease are 

 mastered, the reasons for, or against, any line of practice that 

 may be recommended, can be the more judiciously reviewed, 

 and adopted or rejected, with just confidence. 



