ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HORSE , S FOOT. 773 
this description are not uncommon, and several are recorded 
in the annals of home and foreign veterinary science ; 
while partial reproduction of the hoof enters into almost the 
daily experience of every veterinary surgeon. But when a 
hoof, or a portion of a hoof, has been reproduced, it usually 
exhibits alterations in quality and general outline, and in the 
arrangement of its component parts, which may always be 
ascribed to partial destruction or impairment of function of 
the formative membrane. 
Reproduction takes place most favorably when the old 
hoof has been gradually removed by disease, as in laminitis ; 
new horn has then been allowed to be formed to protect the 
living textures, while yet the old envelope in process of des- 
quamation supports and shields it.* 
and the other at the top in front of the hoof. The mare, finding herself fixed, 
endeavoured to disengage herself, and in so doing got in front of the 
waggon, which, coming at a great pace, forced her down into the pit, leaving 
the hoof behind ; this was so firmly wedged in between the rails that a large 
hammer was required to remove it, and then it was found that the shoe and 
hoof were bent in a peculiar manner, the inside heel being completely 
raised above the level of the frog ; not one of the nails attaching the shoe 
had been disturbed. With some difficulty the mare was got to her stable, 
and on examination it was found that the vascular structures of the foot 
were very little injured, and that no serious damage had been inflicted on 
the more essential parts. The animal was slung and subjected to general 
treatment, and the foot, having been washed, was enveloped in tow saturated 
with tincture of myrrh. A fortnight afterwards the formation of horn 
was observed to have commenced at the coronet, and the laminae were also 
covered by a thin layer. In three weeks the formation of the new sole 
and frog was perceived to be going on ; and by the middle of December, 
six months after the hoof had been torn off, the foot was entirely covered 
with horn, except in those places where the keratogenous membrane was 
damaged. In shape, the new hoof was more circular and vertical than the 
former one had been, though in time the mare performed her usual work 
as well as before. 
* In the Field for December 10th, 1870, there is an account of a case in 
which regeneration of all the hoofs took place after an attack of lami- 
nitis. In November, 1869, the horse had performed a long journey of 
sixty-five miles, and, in consequence, was attacked with inflammation of all 
the feet. Remedial measures were resorted to, general and local bleeding 
being practised ; the shoes were taken off, and cold bran poultices constantly 
applied to the feet. For three weeks the animal suffered such agony that its 
life was despaired of ; it was reduced to a skeleton, and covered with sores 
from continually lying. U nder a tonic plan of treatment — including port wine 
and gruel — the animal rallied, and in two months from the attack commenced 
to move a little round his box, and at this time “ the hoofs began to shell,” 
and gradually came off. In March, 1870, the horse was shod with thin 
shoes and turned into a field, and while there a considerable portion of the 
right hind hoof was detached along with the shoe. In April he was moved 
into a marsh, where he remained night and day until August, when he was 
put to work. During his stay in the marsh the owner visiting him on one occa- 
sion. found the old hoof of the right fore foot gone, and “ a perfect little colt’s 
