DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 169 
some cases it disappears for weeks together, and then 
shows itself again, gradually increasing in intensity un- 
- til it becomes a permanent lameness. In the early stages 
of the disease there is no heat to be discovered about 
the foot, no swelling, no pain on pressing the heels ; the 
animal picks up the foot nicely, but drops it tenderly, 
striking the toe first; the shoe, therefore, is-worn con- 
siderably at the toe and very little at the heels. 
Should a horse be slightly lame in both feet, the symp- 
toms are still more obscure and difficult to diagnose. 
The action of the horse now becomes changed ; he no 
longer bends his knees with the same freedom as before ; 
he steps short, the heels scarcely touching the ereane 
which is a good indication of the disease. 
Treatment—In recent cases, the application ni a 
‘proper blister is usually successful.; the common fly 
blister, thinned with spirits of turpentine, answers a very 
good purpose; or the following, which must be used 
with great caution to prevent its leaving a blemish be- 
hind : Powdered cantharides 2 drachms, oil of turpentine 
2 drachms, powdered euphorbium 1 drachm, oil of origa- 
num 1 drachm, hog’s lard 2 ounces. Mix all together. This 
should not be repeated after the blister acts. In cases 
of long standing, a seton put through the frog will 
often be of great service in restoring the animal to use- 
fulness. 
OSSIFICATION OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGEHS. 
These cartilages are two gristly projections or wings 
attached to the coffin-bone at the heels, and may readily 
be felt above the hoof. From contraction, corns, and 
other causes, these elastic bodies often become changed 
from gristle to bone in consequence of inflammation, 
leaving the horse with thick heels and a short, tender 
