V2 DISHASHS OF THE HOKDH DS PUUL 
If ‘ pointing’ is a symptom, its manner is noticed. The 
foot is compared with the other for any deviation from the 
normal. In some cases the two fore or the two hind feet 
may differ in size. Though this may not necessarily 
indicate disease, it may, nevertheless, be taken into account 
if the lameness is not easily referable to any other member. 
Measurement with calipers will then be of help,. and a 
pronounced increase in size, especially if marked in one 
position only, given due consideration. The hand is used 
upon each foot alternately to look for change of tempera- 
ture, to detect the presence of growths small enough to 
escape the eye, and to discover evidence of painful spots 
along the coronet. 
At this stage the method of percussion recommends 
itself, and in many cases no more useful diagnostic agent 
is to be found than the ordinary hammer. As a pre- 
liminary, the foot of the sound limb should be always 
tapped first. This precaution will serve to bring to light 
what is frequently met with—the aversion nervous animals 
sometimes exhibit to this manner of manipulation of the 
hoof. Unless this is done, the ordinary objection to inter- 
ference is apt to be read as evidence of pain. No aversion to 
the method being shown, the suspected foot is gently tapped 
in various places round the wall, a keen look-out being kept 
for any manifestation of tenderness. This may vary from a 
slight resentment to each tap, indicated by a sudden lifting 
and setting down again of the foot, to a complete removal 
of the foot from the ground, and a characteristic pawing of 
the air that points out clearly enough the seat of pain. 
Evidence of pain once given, the tapping is persisted in 
until, in some cases, the exact position of the tender spot 
is definitely located. 
Failing evidence obtained from percussion, attention 
should next be given to the shoeing. We may add here 
that, even when difficulties have to be encountered in 
doing it, it is always a wise plan to have the shoe removed. 
The nails should be removed one by one, the course 
they have taken, their point of emergence on the wall, and 
