140 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 



taining the horn of the wall in as soft and supple a con- 

 dition as is natural by the application of suitable hoof 

 dressings. 



A useful one for the purpose is that made with lard, 

 to which has been added a small quantity of wax or 

 turpentine. 



Especially should a dressing like this be used when the 

 hoof is inclined to be hard and brittle, and where tendency 

 to contraction has already been noticed- 



The application of a hoof ointment is also particularly 

 indicated where the foot is much exposed to dampness, 

 where the animal is compelled to stand for long periods 

 upon a dry bedding, or where the bedding is of a substance 

 calculated to have a deleterious effect upon the horn. 



This, in conjunction with correct shoeing, will probably 

 serve to avoid the necessity for more drastic measures at a 

 later time. 



(b) Local or Coronary Contraction. 



Definition. — Contraction at the heels, confined to the 

 horn immediately succeeding that occupied by the coronary 

 cushion. Really, the condition is but a somewhat arbitrary 

 subdivision of contracted hoof, as we have just described it 

 in general. For that reason we shall give it but very brief 

 mention. 



Symptoms. — In this case the horn of the heels, instead of 

 running down in a straight line from the coronary margin 

 to the bearing surface of the wall, presents a more or less 

 distinct concavity (See Fig. 79, a, a). 



As is the case with contraction considered as a whole, 

 this deformity may affect one or both heels ; and during its 

 first appearance, which is after the first few shoeings, the 

 animal may go distinctly lame. 



Causes. — Coronary contraction may occur in hoofs of 

 normal shape immediately shoeing is commenced, and frog 

 pressure with the ground removed. It is far more likely to 

 ensue, however, if the hoof is flat, with the heels low, and 

 the wall sloping. And with those predisposing circum- 



