DEFECTS IN THE HORSE 205 



Quarter-crack or sand-crack is a splitting or cracking 

 of the horny part of the hoof, usually of the front foot. 

 This crack may be due to one of several things, such as 

 dryness of hoof, brittle horn, improper shoeing, heavy 

 shoes, etc. The crack begins at the crown of the hoof, and 

 extends downward, and may occupy the length of the hoof. 

 Sometimes it is necessary to put metal clamps over the 

 cracks. This trouble may develop enough to break through 

 the lower part of the foot and cause serious trouble and 

 lameness. Toe-crack is similar to quarter-crack, and usu- 

 ally occurs on the hind foot, and in the front part. 



Founder, or laminitis, is an unsoundness of the feet, due 

 to congestion of blood between the delicate laminae or layers 

 within the hoof. It is usually found in the front feet. It 

 is caused by a variety of conditions, such as overfeeding, 

 overwork, exposure, lack of exercise resulting in retarded 

 circulation in the feet, etc. Intense pain results. The 

 horse when standing, attempts to take as much weight 

 from the front feet as possible. He tends to place the 

 front feet somewhat forward, shoves the hind feet well 

 under the body, thus endeavoring to relieve the front pres- 

 sure. A horse thus affected moves with difficulty and will 

 refuse to back. If well established, founder is incurable 

 and causes the horse much lameness. The more perfect the 

 foot, the less is the liability to founder. A very flat foot, 

 or one with high hoof walls or a foot that is contracted, is 

 liable to be affected with this disease. 



Navicular disease is an inflammation of a chronic char- 

 acter that occurs in the foot, affecting the navicular bone 

 and its related parts. It occurs most frequently with 

 harness horses, and especially those with great knee action. 

 Usually but one forefoot suffers from the disease, which is 

 caused by concussion or shock to the affected parts. The 

 early stages of the disease are not commonly noticed. At- 

 tention is first directed to the " pointing" of the foot, which 

 is extended forward, the weight resting on the toe. As the 

 disease progresses lameness is noticed, which increases with 



