204 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



weakened by having cut in it a groove in which the end of the 

 clinch, according to the ordinary plan, is to rest. Besides, if any 

 strain falls on the nail, it will be distributed over the surface of 

 the washer, instead of being concentrated on the clinch ; and, 

 consequently, the hoof will be less liable to break away than by 

 the ordinary method of shoeing. Supposing a horse is being shod 

 with five nails, the three outer nails and the front one of the inner 

 two nails may be supplied with these washers. I have tried this 

 plan with excellent results. 



The application of lanoline renders the hoof tough. Before using 

 it, the horn should be cleaned with cold water, and then the 

 lanoline rubbed into the coronet and wall, in small quantities, by 

 means of a woollen rag, until a dull gloss is produced. It can also 

 be applied with advantage to the sole and frog. 



Indigestion is not an infrequent cause of brittle feet ; owing to 

 the sympathy between the mucous membrane of the stomacli and 

 intestines, and the sensitive laminae, which secrete the horn of the_ 

 foot. When irritation and consequent inflammation exist in a 

 secreting structure, its powers become impaired ; hence the cases 

 of weak and brittle horn secreted during attacks of indigestion, 

 which should be specially treated. 



In cases of brittle feet which have become chipped away a good 

 deal, apply to the exposed surfaces, from time to time, an anti- 

 septic, such £is pai-affin odl, with the view of destroying any para- 

 sites which may be present, and may, possibly, have induced the 

 brittle condition of the horn. 



Inflammation of the Coronet ( Villitis). 



NATURE AND SYMPTOMS.— This disease, which French 

 veterinary surgeons call mal d'dne is almost exclusively confined 

 to donkeys, even among which it is not very common. I have seen 

 only a few cases of it among horses. It appears to be, in the first 

 instance, a chronic inflammation of that portion of the coronet (the 

 perioplic ring) which secretes the thin covering of horn (the 

 periople) that covers the upper part of the hoof. This inflam- 

 mation of the perioplic ring may extend to the remainder of the 

 secreting portion of the coronet, so that the wall, especially at the 

 front, becomes dry and fissured to such aji extent that in time it 

 resembles the rough bark of a tree which has become more or less 

 detached from the wood (Fig. 66). In aggravated oases, this altered 

 wall breaks off at its lower part, and splits both horizontally and 

 vertically. 



The accompanying lameness, which always increases with work, 

 is marked by a shuflJing style of progression, especially when both 



