84 EXAMINATION OF HORSES 
some regard to popular belief. In this case~the great 
frequency with which we find contraction and navicular 
disease to co-exist, has given rise to their being looked 
upon as cause and effect. 
When we come to think how frequently we find the two 
conditions co-existing we can scarcely wonder at this; 
it even led the late Professor Coleman to see cause and 
effect in it. We do, however, often find contracted wiry 
heels without navicular disease, and, on the other hand, 
we often find well-formed feet with wide open good heels 
afflicted with navicular disease. In the latter case we 
have an acute form of the disease, and the heels, should 
the disease continue, will not be long before they become 
atrophied (contracted) from suspended function. When 
we have navicular disease in a well-formed foot, we have 
it then of an acute kind, and accordingly we have a 
group of symptoms which constitute a sign ; these are— 
1. A frequent shifting of the weight from one foot to 
the other, and pointing with the rested foot, when standing. 
2. Increased eat in the hollow of the heel and ¢ender- 
ness on pressure with the thumb in the hollow of, the 
heel. 
3. Throbbing of the plantar arteries. 
4. The horse goes on his toes, tripping and stumbling, 
and is lame. 
Unfortunately, however, we have no such distinctive 
signs of the disease in an examination as to soundness. 
If it be present at all it will be in a chronic form, and 
giving rise to an unnatural gait, only to be detected by the 
