182 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



their oxidation, and, thus, to increase their adhesion to the horn; 

 that the clasps should be protected by a leather strap; and that, 

 as soon as the hoof grows sufficiently down, say, in three or four 

 weeks, a fresh clasp should be placed above the topmost one. A 

 second method of clasping, but one requiring the aid of a skilful 

 smith, is to cut a small groove, about a quarter of an inch deep, 

 at each side of, and parallel to the crack ; each groove being about 

 half an inch away from it. A small, broad horse-nail, with its point 

 hammered flat, is now driven so as to enter at one groove and to 

 come out at the other (Fig. 57). The edges of the crack are brought 

 together with the pincers ; the head of the nail is cut off, and both 

 ends are clinched. A third method, which can easily be done at 

 the toe, consists in drilling a hole through the horn, and then using 

 a round nail in a manner similar to the way just described. If the 

 assistance of a good smith be procurable, the second plan is more 

 effective than the third, which, however, is the safer of the two. 



As a rule, a sandcrack will take about a year to grow down. 



After the cure has been effected, use shoes which are perfectly 

 flat on the foot surface ; avoid " thinning " the sole, or even touch- 

 ing it with the knife ; and obtain frog pressure, which may be done 

 by keeping the hoof short, taking care not to interfere with the 

 proper slope of the foot, and by using tolerably thin shoes. The 

 coronet may be stimulated from time to time, by oantharides made 

 into an ointment at a strength of about 1 to 24 of lard. 



Cases of sandcrack which have occurred under the predisposing 

 influence of indigestion should be treated, generally, for indiges- 

 tion ; and, locally, for sandcrack. 



LEGAL ASPECT. — Sandcrack is an unsoundness. " If a horse 

 without any indication of having previously had the disease, throw 

 out a sandcrack immediately after sale, it is no breach of warranty " 

 (Oliphant's " Law of Horses "). 



False Quarter 



is a longitudinal depression in the wall of the hoof, due to non- 

 secretion of the horny crust by the coronet. This loss of secreting 

 power is caused by an injury — such as tread or quittor — which has 

 destroyed the horn-secreting cells. The horn which covers this de- 

 pression appears to be derived, principally, from the sensitive 

 laminae. False quarter may commence at any part of the coronet ; 

 but is most common at that from which it takes its name. 



To guard against tricks played with sandcracks and false quar- 

 ters, it is advisable, before buying a horse, to have his feet washed. 



TREATMENT can only be palliative. Here, as directed for sand- 

 crack, the effect of a blister on the coronet may be tried. 



