78 DISEASES OF THE HjORSE. 



in the summer season. In winter the feet are better sup- 

 plied with moisture. 



Treatment. — Rasp the edges of the crack thin, the 

 nearer the crack the thinner the horn should be made, 

 this can be filled up with shoemakers wax. After the 

 horn has been properly thinned a piece of the wall of 

 the hoof for about half an inch on each side of the crack 

 is to be cut out to prevent any bearing of the shoe upon 

 it, thereby preventing the constant opening, shutting, 

 and sometimes bleeding from the crack. To prevent or 

 rather to cause the new horn to grow down whole and 

 without a crack in it, a piece of iron is to be placed in 

 the fire and made red hot, and applying this just for a 

 moment flat on the hair at the head of the crack sufii- 

 cient to make a scab. This will insure a solid growth of 

 horn. Promote the growth of the horn as speedily as 

 possible, to facilitate the cure, a strap is used by some 

 round the hoof to prevent opening of the crack. 



8. Navicular Disease. — This is a disease of a bone 

 in the foot of the horse, a serious disease and often very 

 obscure in its symptoms, altogether depending as to the 

 advanced condition of the disease, happily however it is 

 scarcely met with and then only in the common hack 

 horse. It consists of ulceration of various degrees ; on 

 the surface of the navicular bone within the foot. 



Causes. — Hard and constant work upon the stone or 

 streets paved with stones. Slight inflammation neglected 

 and the horse not laid up until it gets well, and the in- 

 flammation increases, until it ends in ulceration of the 

 bone. 



Symptom. — Obscure, or at least very like many of the 

 symptoms similar to other diseases of the feet and legs. 

 It is chiefly determined by the undue heat in the foot, and 



