140 DISEASES OF THE HORSE’S FOOT 
taining the horn of the wall in as soft and supple @ con- 
dition as is natural by the application of suitable hoof 
dressings. 
A useful one for the purpose is that made with lard, 
to which has been added a small quantity of wax or 
turpentine. 
Especially should a dressing like this be used when the 
hoof is inclined to be hard and brittle, and where tendency 
to contraction has already been noticed. 
The application of a hoof ointment is also particularly 
indicated where the foot is much exposed to dampness, 
where the animal is compelled to stand for long periods 
upon a dry bedding, or where the bedding is of a substance 
calculated to have a deleterious effect upon the horn. 
This, in conjunction with correct shoeing, will probably 
serve to avoid the necessity for more drastic measures at a 
later time. . 
(b) Locat orn Coronary ConTRACTION. 
Definition.—Contraction at the heels, confined to the 
horn immediately succeeding that occupied by the coronary 
cushion. Really, the condition is but a somewhat arbitrary 
subdivision of contracted hoof, as we have just described it 
in general. For that reason we shall give it but very brief 
mention. 
Symptoms.—In this case the horn of the heels, instead of 
running down in a straight line from the coronary margin 
to the bearing surface of the wall, presents a more or less 
distinct concavity (See Fig. 79, a, a). 
As is the case with contraction considered as a whole, 
this deformity may affect one or both heels ; and during its 
first appearance, which is after the first few shoeings, the 
animal may go distinctly lame. 
Causes. — Coronary contraction may occur in hoofs of 
normal shape immediately shoeing is commenced, and frog 
pressure with the ground removed. It is far more likely to 
ensue, however, if the hoof is flat, with the heels low, and 
the wall sloping. And with those predisposing cireum- 
