DISEASES OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGES 365 
fibrous tissue. In such cases benefit is sometimes derived 
from the application of a shoe with an extended toe-piece 
(see Figs. 84 and 108). 
C. OSSIFICATION OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGES, OR 
SIDE-BONES. 
Definition.—An abnormal condition of the lateral carti- 
lages, in which the substance of the cartilage becomes 
gradually removed and bone formed in its place. 
Fig. 143.—Ossiriep LATERAL CARTILAGES (SIDE-BONES). 
Symptoms and Diagnosis.—Side-bones are nearly always 
met with in heavy draught animals, and are rarely seen in 
the feet of nags. They are, moreover, nearly always con- 
fined to the fore-feet. In the ordinary way little need be 
said concerning their characteristics, and the way in which 
they may be detected. Neither need any concern be 
ordinarily manifested with regard to the effect they may 
have on the animal’s gait and future usefulness. Seeing, 
however, that side-bone constitutes one of the recognised 
hereditary diseases, and that at the various agricultural 
and horse shows its existence or otherwise in a certain 
