ANATOMY OF THE FOOT. 59l 



unless this was done the suppuration would be likely to spread 

 underneath the horn. In our days it is rarely performed, as it is 

 considered that it presents but little advantage, so far, at least, as 

 it involves the removal of the entire organ. Sometimes, however, 

 portions of it have to be taken off, as in some special diseased con- 

 dition of the foot, such as in punctured wound, pricking by the 

 blacksmith, burnt sole, etc., the modus operandi of which wUl be 

 considered when treating of these diseases. 



Removal of portion of the wall. — A few morbid conditions of 

 some parts of the foot require in their treatment the removal of a 

 portion of the wall, in order that the escape of pus, the removal 

 of diseased tissue, or the sloughing of necrossed cartiliginous or 

 bony structure, as in complicated cases of suppurative corns, of 

 quarter-crack or in cartilaginous quittor. A similar operation is 

 sometimes required in cases of toe-crack, complicated with disease 

 of the OS pedis. 



These will be further considered when treating of these special 

 subjects. 



Dkessings. 



As nearly every operation of the foot requires a mode of dress- 

 ing peculiar to the manipulations which have been necessary, we 

 shall, when speaking of the different diseases, where parts of the 

 walls have been removed, include also a description of the peculiar 

 dressing they require. 



There is one, however, which is thought much of in veterinary 

 surgery, and of which we will have to say more when speaking of 

 ptmctured wounds of the foot. This is the dressing with plates, 

 which serve to retain the plantar surface, the balls and pads of 

 oakum, which are placed to protect the wound. The appUcation 

 of these plates is far superior to the leather sole, because of its 

 easy removal when the parts are being examined, and of their easy 

 replacement ; thus allowing the surgeon to change the dressing 

 whenever he sees fit, without being obliged to remove the shoe. 



DISEASES. 

 Cankek of the Foot. 

 (Germ., Strahlkrebs, Hufkrebs). — Under this somewhat un- 

 scientific,* though accepted name, is designated a peculiar disease 



* Cra/paud of the French. 



