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pansion of the hoof, and thus lameness will be obviated if not 

 present, and removed if it is, since it is the enlargement and 

 pressure of the internal tissures against the superior portion of 

 the hoof that mainly causes the pain upon which the lameness 

 is dependent. 



I have treated considerable enlargements in this region by 

 the measures I have indicated with the most satisfactory re- 

 sults. Even the cases of confirmed and chronic Ringbone, 

 attended with lameness, may be so benefitted by adapting na- 

 ture s boot, the hoof) to the foot, that the lameness can be got rid 

 of where the enlargements are immovable. 



OSSIFICATION OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGES. 



ETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY. 



This is a morbid condition of these cartilages which is the 

 direct effect of preternatural contraction of the quarters. These 

 cartilages are appendages to the wings of the coffin-bone, and 

 participate in the effects of any lateral pressure which may be 

 exerted against those wings by the contracting and contracted 

 quarters. As already shewn in the anatomy of these structures, 

 they play an important part in the elastic springing arrange- 

 ments of the posterior portions of the foot, and any interfer- 

 ence with the due fulfilment of their functions, will, sooner or 

 later, be manifested by changes in their structural condition. 

 Many examples may be cited of ossification of cartilage in the 

 general animal economy, which are mainly attributable to con- 

 stitutional tendency, and to old age. Whatever congenital 

 tendency may exist to this morbid manifestation, old age can- 

 not be alleged as a pre-disposing cause in horses from four to 

 seven years old, on whose feet they are as frequently seen as 

 on old horses. 



These are examples of a spurious exostosis as they result from 

 the conversion of cartilage into bone, whereas a true exostosis 

 is the production of bone from bone. Manipulation with the 

 fingers and the fact of the predominence of heat in the 



