Accidents and Operations, 4 



SOFT CORNS. 



These are not unfrequently met with in canine practii 

 They are situated between the toes, and very often gi 

 rise to ulceration, and if then neglected the bones or joit 

 may become involved, and permanent lameness result. 



In greyhounds, this is a very serious matter, and one 

 have occasionally had to deal with. 



Friction and moisture favour the presence of soft cor 

 and encourage their persistence. 



Treatment. — I usually touch the surface of the corn wi 

 nitrate of silver, particularly so if there is any ulceratic 

 after which cotton wool smeared with zinc ointment 

 packed between the toes, and a foot bandage applied, 

 keep the dressing iixed, and prevent the patient licking 

 interfering with it. The ointment should be applied daily 



If the corn has existed long, its removal by excision 

 the most effectual method. 



OVERGROWTH OF CLAWS. 



The claws occasionally (especially in dogs which have b 

 little walking exercise) become considerably elongate 

 and, curving underneath, sometimes penetrate the pad 

 the foot, causing intense pain and inflammation. 



Treatment. — This consists in shortening the claw wi 

 sharp-cutting nippers, and poulticing the foot if injure 

 It is not advisable to reduce the claws too much at fir; 

 but to repeat the operation in a fortnight's time. The pr 

 vention of a recurrence of such an abnormal condition 

 in allowing the animal a sufiScient amount of liberty ai 

 exercise, so as to produce the wear necessary for the 

 proper length and shape. 



Occasionally the nail of the fifth toe {dew-claw) grows 

 a complete circle, and its point becomes embedded in tl 

 flesh of the toe, creating considerable pain, inflammatoi 

 action, and suppuration. Numerous patients have bet 



