218 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 



said, far less serious, and one in the posterior region of the 

 foot even less serious still. 



Whenever possible, the nail or other object causing the 

 prick should be examined. Much of the prognosis may be 

 based upon the estimated depth of the wound, and this, in 

 many cases, it is far safer to calculate from the length of 

 the offending body than from the use of the probe. We 

 need hardly say that in the middle zone the deeper the 

 prick, the more serious the case, and the less favourable 

 the prognosis. As in succession the sensitive sole, the 

 plantar aponeurosis, the navicular bursa, the navicular 

 bone, or the pedal articulation is injured, so with each step 

 deeper of the prick is the severity of the case increased. 



The shape of the penetrating object may also be con- 

 sidered. One excessively blunt, and calculated to bruise 

 and crush the tissues, will inflict a more serious wound 

 than one of equal length that is pointed and sharp. 



The conformation of the foot should also be regarded. 

 Wounds in well-shaped feet are less serious than in feet 

 with soles that are flat or convex, or in which the horn is 

 pumiced or otherwise deteriorated in quality. 



Although unaffecting the prognosis so far as the actual 

 termination of the case is concerned, it may be mentioned 

 that punctured foot is far more serious in a nag than in a 

 heavy draught animal. With an equal degree of lameness 

 resulting in each case, the former will be well-nigh useless^ 

 but the latter still capable of performing much of his usual 

 labour. 



The temperament and conditions of the patient will also 

 in many cases largely influence the prognosis. An animal 

 of excitable and nervous disposition is far more likely to 

 succumb to the effects of pain and exhaustion than the 

 horse of a more lymphatic type. In the case of a patient 

 suffering from a prick to a hind- foot while heavily pregnant, 

 the attempted forecast of the termination should be cautious. 

 More especially does this apply to the case of a heavy cart- 

 mare. Ordinarily, the heavier the breed, the greater the 

 tendency to lymphatic swelling of the hind-limbs. With 



