INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 321 
produce a small sore or a “‘sit-fast” than to leave a part of 
the canker undetected; but, on the other hand, it is better 
to leave a small part of canker undetected, which can be 
recognised and removed at the next examination, than to 
cause a large slough. The object of the skilful surgeon is, 
naturally, to avoid both extremes; and if trouble be taken 
to carry out the procedure described, there need be no fear 
of the result.’ * 
Treated in this way, the horse with cankered feet may be 
usually kept at work during the whole time that treatment 
is carried out, and a cure is obtainable in periods varying 
from six weeks to six or even twelve months. 
The same essentials in treatment—namely, removal of 
diseased horn, antiseptic dressings, and pressure—are in- 
sisted on by other writers. Bermbach,+ in 1888, treats 
canker as follows: The horse having been cast, the under- 
mined hoof-horn is removed with the knife, and the hyper- 
trophied sensitive structures, if necessary, reduced in the 
same manner. The chief difficulty in removing the latter 
is experienced in the lateral lacune of the frog, where it is 
most conveniently scraped away with a spoon or sharp 
curette. Professors Hoffmann and Imminger also operate in 
the same way, applying an Esmarch’s hemostatic bandage, 
and using the knife and curette freely. { 
Hemorrhage is afterwards arrested, and-a dressing of 
perchloride of mercury (a solution, $ per cent., in equal 
parts of alcohol and water) applied. The after-dressings 
succeeding best are those of slightly caustic and astringent 
agents, preferably in the form of a powder, and held in 
position by carbol-jute pads and linen bandages applied 
with a certain amount of pressure. 
The same author draws attention to the fact that caustic 
agents such as nitrate of lead, chloride of zine, etc., act too 
powerfully if the bleeding has been arrested and the wound 
* Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics, vol. iv., 
p. 24. 
+ Ibid., vol. ii., p. 63. 
t Veterinary Journal, vol. xxxv., p. 433. 
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