168 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



5 per cent solution of carbolic acid. Where there is much sore- 

 ness, the foot must be poulticed for a day or two. Keep the 

 horse in a clean, dry stable, as otherwise dirt will get into the 

 wound. 



Cracked hoofs. — Cracks occur in the wall of the hoof. They 

 are designated by three names depending on the location. A 

 "quarter-crack" is when the crack begins at the top of the hoof 

 and extends downward in the wall; a "sand-crack" when the 

 crack begins at the bottom and extends upward ; a "toe-crack" 

 when the crack is in the front of the hoof. They may be due 

 to severe work, injuries at the top of the hoof, and to a dry, 

 weakened condition of the walls of the hoof. When the cracks 

 extend to or from the top of the hoof, they may cause severe 

 lameness. As the horse steps the hoof spreads and the soft 

 tissues are pinched in the crack. Sand and gravel may get into 

 the crack thus increasing the trouble. The treatment is to 

 clean out the crack neatly. If "proud flesh" has formed, swab 

 with butter of antimony. Wash 'with 5 per cent solution of 

 carbolic acid, then apply pine tar to keep out the dirt and to 

 aid in healing. Draw crack together by shoeing nails driven 

 across the crack and clinched. Small clips can be procured 

 for this purpose. The hoof should be kept well oiled. 



DISEASES OF THE LEGS 



Scratches is an inflammation of the skin, especially in the 

 region of the heels, and by some is called "grease heel.'' This 

 ailment is usually due to mud and filth. The hind heels being 

 more exposed to the manure are more subject. The treatment 

 is to clean the parts. First clip the hair close to the skin, bathe 

 in warm water, then apply a warm poultice of scalded bran or 

 linseed meal, changing twice in twenty-four hours. After scabs 

 are removed wash, wipe dry, and apply an antiseptic as boric 

 acid, dusting into the sores, then cover with some oily dressing 

 as vaseline, glycerine, castor oil, or fresh lard. 



