276 WOUNDS IN THE FEET. 



cases of this kind, the farrier has seldom much choice ; 

 but he is obliged to obtain his hold at any part into 

 which a nail can be driven with safety. 



WOUNDS IN THE FEET. 



These are generally caused either by pricking 

 during the driving of nails in shoeing ; or by sharp 

 substances upon the road over which the animal tra- 

 vels. If discovered in time, they are very easily 

 managed ; but if the process of suppuration has com- 

 menced before the injury is attended to, the cure may 

 be tedious, and not always certain. 



When a horse is pricked or stubbed, the farrier 

 pares away the horn to the very bottom ; and then 

 sometimes places a bit of tow, wetted with spirits of 

 turpentine, on the part, and sets it on fire ; but, if he 

 has fairly laid open the wound, the case may do well 

 were the fire not subsequently applied ; for should 

 the flame burn the internal parts, the intended spe- 

 cific will assuredly produce all those consequences 

 which it was meant to prevent. 



It is indispensable that the wound should be freely 

 opened, by cutting away the horn, to the very bottom ; 

 and then, if a bit of tow, dipped in tar, be put on the 

 wound, and a little more tow on that, and the whole 

 is confined by a firm pressure, the puncture will 

 generally heal; or should it have been more than 

 ordinarily severe, the foot may in the first instance 

 be placed within a poultice. 



When the dressing is removed on the following day, 

 the wound should be carefully examined all round 



