342 DISEASES OF THE HORSE’S FOOT 
(c) Caries of the Bones.—Portions of the os pedis, more 
especially of its wings, and therefore usually occurring in 
conjunction with necrosed cartilage, become carious in 
quittor. In many cases it is impossible to say with cer- 
tainty when this has occurred. In a few instances, how- 
ever, the exuding discharge gives evidence of what has 
happened. It is thin, but extremely offensive, with the 
characteristic odour of decayed bone or tooth, and with a 
feel that is gritty with contained particles of broken-up 
bone. If, with a discharge of this nature present, the 
probe also conveys to the fingers the sensation that bone is 
reached, then diagnosis may be sure. 
(d) Ossification of the Cartilage.—This may take place in 
part or in whole. It, of course, constitutes Side-bone, a 
fuller description of which will be found in a later portion 
of this chapter. 
(e) Penetration of the Articulation.—This may occur either 
as a result of the suppurative changes or as an accident in 
excision of the diseased cartilage. Unless it is followed by 
a severe purulent arthritis, it is not so grave a complication 
as at first sight it would appear. 
(f) Synovitis and Arthritis (Purulent).—Should this com- 
plication arise, the case is a most serious one. Beyond here 
mentioning the fact that it may occur, we shall not dwell 
on it. Fuller consideration is given to it in Chapter XII. 
Treatment.—The various treatments adopted for the cure 
of sub-horny quittor offer the veterinary surgeon a large 
number to select from. We will describe them in the order 
in which they are, perhaps, most commonly practised. 
Poultices and Hot Baths.—As in cutaneous quittor, and 
as in coronitis, when the pus formation is only suspected, 
and has not yet broken out at the coronet or elsewhere, 
then the first indication in treatment is the use of warm 
poultices or of hot baths. Their application is in most 
cases productive of pointing at the coronet. 
Directly this appears it is a wise plan to thin the wall 
down with the rasp immediately below the swelling. To 
some extent it relieves the pressure of the inflammatory 
