Diseases of the Foot. 479 



the frequent implication of the hom-secroting structures, 

 30 as to cause false quarter, and from the tendency of 

 matter to bun-ow beneath the horn and in the supporting 

 fibrous net-work to form a fistula. They should be 

 thoroughly cleansed from all sand and mud, the iaflamma- 

 tioD subdued by soothing applications (wet bandages or 

 weak astringent lotions) and care taken to prevent the 

 further introduction of dirt. To this end a simple cover- 

 ing of tar will sometimes suffice, but in other cases a care- 

 fully apphed bandage is essential. Muddy roads should 

 be avoided until healing is complete. 



FISTULA OF THE CORONET. QXHTTOR. 



Causes. Treads and other wounds of the coronet ; sup- 

 purating corns, bruises, pricks and wounds of the sole ; 

 suppuration from the working in of sand or gravel between 

 the sole and wall ; irritation from sand-cracks and false 

 quarters, and disease of the coffin-bone or its cartilage. 



Symptoms. Following on some one of the above dis- 

 orders there is a tender swelling at the coronet, which 

 bursts, discharging a more or less whitish serous fluid and 

 shows no tendency to dry up nor close. If probed it is 

 found to lead into one or more small canals in the fibrous 

 net-work which covers the bone and elastic structures of 

 the foot, and it may be to diseased or dead portions of 

 bone or gristle. 



Treatment. If the inflammation is very violent the foot 

 should be enveloped in a large poultice and a laxative ad- 

 ministered. When moderated, inject a shghtly caustic 

 solution in the direction of each canal and as far as possi- 

 ble. (Bichloride of mercury 5 grains, spirits of wine 1 oz., 

 muriatic acid 20 drops). Less depends on the composi- 

 tion of the mixture than on the apphcation. Inject it 

 three times the first day, twice the second and once a day 

 thereafter. When the discharge has ceased and the woimd 

 is almost superficial, stop the injection and apply a simple 

 dressing of wet tow. In aggravated cases with disease of 



