Accidents and Operations. 409 
SOFT CORNS. 
These are not unfrequently met with in canine practice. 
They are situated between the toes, and very often give 
rise to ulceration, and if then neglected the bones or joints 
may become involved, and permanent lameness resuit. 
In greyhounds, this is a very serious matter, and one [ 
have occasionally had to deal with. 
Friction and moisture favour the presence of soft corns 
and encourage their persistence. 
Treatment.—I usually touch the surface of the corn with 
nitrate of silver, particularly so if there is any ulceration, 
after which cotton wool smeared with zinc ointment is 
packed between the toes, anda foot bandage applied, to 
keep the dressing fixed, and prevent the patient licking or 
interfering with it. The ointment should be applied daily. 
If the corn has existed long, its removal by excision is 
the most effectual method. 
OVERGROWTH OF CLAWS. 
The claws occasionally (especially in dogs which have but 
little walking exercise) become considerably elongated, 
and, curving underneath, sometimes penetrate the pad of 
the foot, causing intense pain and inflammation. 
Treatment.—This consists in shortening the claw with 
sharp-cutting nippers, and poulticing the foot if injured. 
It is not advisable to reduce the claws too much at first, 
but to repeat the operation in a fortnight’stime. The pre- 
vention of a recurrence of such an abnormal condition is 
in allowing the animal a sufficient amount of liberty and 
exercise, so as to produce the wear necessary for their 
proper length and shape. 
Occasionally the nail of the fifth toe (dew-claw) grows to 
a complete circle, and its point becomes embedded in the 
flesh of the toe, creating considerable pain, inflammatory 
action, and suppuration. Numerous patients have been 
