FAULTY CONFORMATION 117 
in others it may be noticed equally bad in both. It is a 
matter of common knowledge that contraction is usually 
seen in the fore-feet, while the hind seldom or never suffer 
from it, a fact which, to our minds, seems difficult of 
adequate explanation. Zundel explains this by stating 
that contraction is principally observed in the fore-feet, by 
reason of the fact that when lameness arises from it 
alteration in action will more readily be detected in front 
than behind. Percival, on the other hand, suggests that 
the greater expansive powers of the hind-foot, by reason 
of the impetus of its action, is able to overcome any 
influence operating towards contraction. It may be, how- 
ever, that given a cause for contraction, such as the removal 
of the frog’s counter-pressure with the ground by faulty 
shoeing or excessive paring, the fore-feet, by reason of 
their being called upon to bear the greater part of the body- 
weight, are the first to suffer. 
Flat feet with weak heels are those most frequently 
affected, and, as we have already intimated, the condition 
may exist with or without other disease of the foot. 
Depending upon its degree, contracted foot may vary 
from a simple abnormality, non-inflammatory and painless, 
to a condition in which it becomes a veritable disease, 
giving rise to a bad form of lameness, and bringing about 
a withered and sometimes discharging and cankerous 
affection of the frog. 
Symptoms.—In its early stages contraction is difficult of 
detection, and where both feet are affected may for some 
time go unsuspected. With only one foot undergoing 
change, the early stages may the more readily be marked, 
for in this case comparison with the other and sound foot 
will at once reveal the alteration in shape. If lameness in 
the suspected foot is present, then any lingering doubt will 
be quickly dispelled. 
When far advanced, contraction offers signs that cannot 
well be missed. The converging of the heels narrows the 
V-shaped indentation in the sole for the reception of the 
frog. As a consequence of this, the frog itself becomes 
