The Extremities 311 



length. Its point may penetrate the pad and provoke suppuration 

 and lameness. For this reason dew-claws are frequently removed 

 as a preventive meas- 

 ure, otherwise it is 

 necessary to cut the 

 nails periodically 

 (about every six 

 months). Cutting is 

 best done with bone- 

 forceps or specially 

 constructed clippers, no. 72. Naii cuppers, 



but care must be ob- 

 served to avoid cutting to the quick. 



InterdigitaJ Eczema. This is a disorder of rather frequent 

 occurrence and while it lasts is productive of considerable lameness. 

 Among the laity the pathologic lesions and lameness are usually 

 ascribed to traumatic influences. As the name indicates, the inflam- 

 matory disturbance is confined to the skin of the interdigital region, 

 but it is very apt to extend to and involve the matrix of the nail. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The animal is observed to be con- 

 stantly licking or gnawing the parts and lameness is often very 

 pronounced. On examining the foot, the skin of one or more inter- 

 digital spaces is found to exhibit the characteristic appearance of 

 eczema of other regions, viz., redness, edema, suppuration and 

 ulceration. 



Treatment. The foot should be daily soaked for a good while 

 in hot water or antiseptic solution. This is followed with a liberal 

 application of absorbent antiseptic powder to the inflamed area. 

 The foot should be protected with a bandage or boot, both to main- 

 tain it free of dirt and to prevent the animal licking. Ulcers should 

 be touched with the nitrate of silver stick. 



FOREIGN BODIES. 



Various substances may find lodgment in the foot, either acci- 

 dentally or through human malevolence or carelessness. Among 

 the recorded articles may be mentioned : shot, spikelets of grain, and 

 sharp bodies such as splinters, thorns, and short lengths of wire. 

 Elastic bands rolled on to the leg by children, ligatures applied by 

 malevolent persons, snares in which the animal may get caught 



