DISEASES OF THE BOXES 389 



check, any large formation of new bone is prevented, and 

 the case does well. 



When the case is complicated by a wound, then anti- 

 septic measures, such as those described in the treat- 

 ment of punctured foot, will at the same time have to be 

 practised. 



It must be admitted, however, that in all but the most 

 simple cases ordinary treatment such as this is of very 

 little use ; for with only a slight exostosis in almost any 

 position in the foot, excessive lameness presents itself and 

 remains. In such cases nothing is left to us but the 

 operation of neurectomy. 



When tTie periostitis and ostitis is the result of a wound, 

 and is complicated by caries or necrosis of the bone, the 

 diseased portion of bone must in every case be laid bare 

 and removed. It so happens that the majority of cases of 

 this kind occur in positions where the diseased bone is 

 easily got at. The lower margin of the os pedis or portions 

 of the wings are commonly the seat of such changes. We 

 meet with the former in cases of pricked foot, and with the 

 latter in severe cases of tread, or as a complication in sup- 

 purating corn or in quittor. In such cases the animal must 

 be cast and the foot secured. The wound is then followed 

 up, the horn if necessary removed, and the bone curetted 

 with a Volkmann's spoon; or, if showing itself as a seques- 

 trum, removed with a scalpel and a strong pair of forceps. 

 Care must be taken that every particle of the diseased bone 

 is removed, and that no part of it is left to act as an after- 

 source of irritation. With removal of the diseased portion 

 and a strict attention to antisepsis healing soon takes 

 place. 



Reported Cases of Periostitis and Ostitis. — 1. 'Figs. 150 

 ?.nd 151 represent the phalangeal bones of the off fore-leg 

 of a thoroughbred horse named Osman, who was well 

 known as a hunt steeplechaser of considerable merit in the 

 Midland counties some twenty years ago. I may say that 

 this horse was under my observation pretty regularly during 

 the whole of his career, and up to the time of his death. 



