NAVICULAR DISEASE. 383 
which denote irritation upon the tendon. For, as the disease progresses, 
synovia ceases to be secreted, the navicular joint becomes dry, and is 
subject to the most torturing irritation every time the leg is moved. 
That the one presented may not by the reader be supposed an extreme 
case, produced to support the writer’s opinions, another specimen of the 
disease is given; but, on this last occasion, both sides of the navicular 
bone shall be exhibited. The upper surface appears perfectly healthy ; 
the lower surface only displays a large clot of blood, and a small but 
comparatively a deep hole. 
THE SUPERIOR SURFACE OF THE NAVICULAR BONE. THE INFERIOR SURFACE OF THE SAME BONE, 
Supposing the reader to be convinced of the justness of the writer’s 
views, the treatment which these recommend shall be stated. Ulceration 
in any form proves the body to be weak or exhausted. Feed liberally, 
chiefly upon crushed oats and old beans. Attend to any little matter in 
which the horse’s body may be wrong; but do little to the foot beyond, 
every other night, soaking it one hour in hot water, for the first fortnight. 
Afterward apply flannel bandages to the leg, put tips upon the hoofs, 
and wrap the feet up in a sponge boot, having first smeared the horn 
with glycerin. This, with a very long rest, is all it is in our power to 
accomplish. The rest, however, should be proportioned only to the pro- 
prietor’s pocket or to his powers of endurance. In the first instance, 
six months’ rest in a well-aired stable, and three subsequent months at 
slow agricultural employment, will not be thrown away, but will be likely 
to prevent future annoyances. After one relapse, the treatment is all 
but hopeless. The horse may be again restored to soundness; but the 
disease, which has with time gained strength, will be all but certain to 
reappear. 
This, probably, may be the fittest place for stating the writer’s reason 
for objecting to the treatment generally adopted. 
Bleeding from the toe is decidedly objected to, because there never 
are any signs of inflammation present, but rather those symptoms which 
favor the belief that too little blood circulates within the foot. Blister- 
ing the coronet is more likely to augment the crusts than to reach the 
disease ; and the tendency of navicular derangement is to thicken the 
horn. ‘The same reasoning applies to paring out the foot and placing 
the hoof in poultices; it is more likely to act upon, and lead to activity 
in, the secreting membrane, which is near the surface, than to operate 
