128 HORSESHOEING. 



gait, or well-marked lameness, especially upon hard ground. In- 

 creased sensitiveness of the pododerm is detected by compres- 

 sion of the hoof with the pincers (hoof-testers), or with greater 

 certainty by lightly tapping the hoof. The increased warmth of 

 a part or of the entire hoof is detected by feeling with the hand. 

 Intense pain and greatly increased warmth, with a moderate, 

 diffuse swelling of the soft parts between the hoof and fetlock- 

 joint, indicate suppuration within the hoof. 



The examination of horses lame in the feet must always be 

 cautious and searching, and should begin with the moving and 

 judging of the horse as already described on page 78. The faults 

 detected in the hoof or in the shoeing, the pain and increased 

 warmth of the hoof, Avill not leave us in doubt as to whether the 

 animal is lame in the hoof or not. However, should there be a 

 doubt, we must carefully examine all the joints and tendons of 

 the foot and, if necessary, of the hmb above, and observe the 

 animal's manner of travelling at a walk and at a trot, on soft and 

 on hard ground, in a straight line and in a circle. 



The removal of the shoe should be performed with greatest 

 caution. Under certain conditions the second shoe should not 

 be removed until the first has been replaced. The same caution 

 must be observed in paring the hoof, which is to be regarded as 

 a part of the examination of the hoof. The paring of a hoof for 

 this purpose often differs somewhat from the preparation of a 

 sound hoof for the shoe, and while it is necessary because it 

 frequently furnishes the first trustworthy indication of the 

 trouble, it must be done with circumspection and intelligence. 



The causes of diseases of the hoof are very numerous, for 

 many external influences act injuriously upon the hoof. In 

 addition to too great dryness, want of care (neglected shoeing), 

 and premature, unreasonable, cruel use of the horse, should be 

 mentioned particularly injudicious dressing of the hoof and direct 

 and indirect faults in the shoeing. The pododerm, shut in between 

 the hard os pedis and the stiff, unyielding horn capsule, is fre- 

 quently exposed to bruising and other injuries, from which arise 



