18 THE CANADIAN HOESE 



SIDE-BONE OE FALSE EING-BONJ!. 



Side-bone, properly speaking, is not exostosis, but ossifi-. 

 cation of an already-existing structure, it being ossification 

 of the lateral cartilages of the os pedes, or bone of the foot. 

 It is mpsi common in the fore-feet, especially Tjfhere the 

 pasterns are short and straight. 



Symptoms. — The lateral cartilages, which in health are 

 soft and flexible, become enlarged, project above the hoof, 

 and are hard and bony. While the inflammatory process is 

 going on, there is heat and pain in the part, and consequently 

 lameness, which in most cases ceases when the ossification 

 is completed ; but there is always_a degree of stifihess ob- 

 servable, and the lameness is apt to return if the animal is 

 much used on the road. 



Causes. — Short upright pasterns predispose to them ; they 

 are most common in heavy draught-horses, used for teaming 

 on the road. Sometimes it arises from a tread from an- 

 other horse, which causes inflammation of these structures, 

 which is followed by ossification of the cartilage. 



Treatment. — The same principles must be observed in all 

 these cases. Rest is most essential ; continued cold applica- 

 tions, by making him stand up to the fetlocks in soft clay, 

 with cold water frequently applied, are indicated in the 

 outset. The subsequent treatment may be blisters, firing, 

 or, these failing, neurotomy may be tried. 



Side-bones are also unsoundness, and should be carefully 

 avoided for road-work. 



ANCHYLOSIS. 



Anchylosis is simply extensive exostosis, in which we have 

 the ends of two or more bones united by bony matter, as 

 we find in some cases of ring-bone, spavin, sometimes in the 



