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In hopeless cases, neurotomy may be performed as a last resource. It 
has been found that this operation is often more successful, in the relief of 
lameness from side-bones, than when the result of navicular disease. The 
French veterinary surgeons sometimes excise diseased lateral cartilages ; 
but this operation is not one of much practical value. 
RING-BONE. 
By ring-bone we understand a bony or osseous deposit of an inflammatory ° 
origin, formed upon the upper and lower pastern bones. This disease 
generally affects the hind pasterns, but may be found on theffore ones. 
’ There are two kinds of ring-bone, named “true” and “ false” respectively. 
“By a false ring-bone, we mean a bony growth which is developed on one or 
“both of the ridges situated at the back of the long pastern bone. This form 
of ring-bone does not always cause lameness; but, when large, not 
uncommonly affects the progression of the animal. Although, according to- 
“Mr, Fearnley, “ring-bone is an unsoundness which cannot for a moment be 
regarded in any mitigated light ;” and, although wherever situated, it very 
commonly affects progression by impeding the action of the ligaments of the 
joints or of the tendons, it is, nevertheless, when of thej false kind, not . 
invariably to be regarded as an unsoundness. 
In the figure A is the long pastern bone, B is the short one, and C is 
the pedal bone; X shows a false ring-bone. 
