182 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



clinched. A third method, which caji easily be done at the toe, 

 consists in drilling a hole through the horn, and then using a 

 round nail in a manner similar to the way just described. If the 

 assistance of a good smith be procurable, the seoond plan is more 

 effective than the third, which, however, is the safer of the two. 



As a rule, a sandcrack will take about a year to grow down. 



After the cure has been effected, use shoes which are perfectly 

 flat on the foot surface; avoid " thinning" the sole, or even touch- 

 ing it with the knife ; and obtain frog pressure, which may be done 

 by keeping the hoof short, taking care not to interfere with the 

 proper slope of the foot, and by using tolerably thin shoes. The 

 coronet may be stimulated from time to time, by cantharides made 

 into an ointment at a strength of about 1 tQ 24 of lard. 



Cases of sandcrack which have occurred under the predisposing 

 influence of indigestion, should be treated, generally, for indiges- 

 tion ; and, locally, for sandcrack. 



LEGAL ASPECT. — Sandcrack is an unsoundness. If a horse 

 without any indication of having previously had the disease, throw 

 out a sandcrack immediately after sale, it is no breach of warranty. 



False Quarter. 



This is a longitudinal depression in the wall of the hoof, due to 

 non-secretion of the horny crust by the coronet. This loss of 

 secreting power is caused by an injury — such as tread or quittor 

 (p. 224) — which has destroyed the horn-secreting cells. The horn 

 which covers this depression appears to be derived, principally, 

 from the sensitive laminae. False quarter may commence at any 

 part of the coronet; but is most common at the one from which 

 it takes its name. 



To guard against tricks played with sandcracks and false quar- 

 ters, it is advisable, before' buying a horse, to have his feet washed. 



TREATMENT can only be palliative. Here, as directed for 

 sandcrack, the effect of a blister on the coronet may be tried. 



Split Hoof. 



Under the above heading I wish to include those divisions of 

 the horn of the foot which do not take the characteristic form of 

 " sandcrack." 



The chief varieties of this accident are as follows : — 



1. A split of the hoof which, as the result of concussion, pre- 



