LAMENESS IN HORSES. 
3 
two objects for consideration ; the first being, the healing of the 
wound and closing of the breach in the sole to which it owes its 
existence ; the second, the elevation of the coffin-bone, and its 
adjustment, as far as we can, in its natural 'position . I say 
'‘position,” for as to forcing up the bone into its proper place 
again, of course that is a matter entirely out of the range of 
possibility. When once complete separation of the laminae has 
taken place, no power we possess can restore their union; 
indeed no means can be employed to effect so much as we 
may be able to accomplish towards the raising up of the bone 
before we have completely restored the integrity of the sole, 
and made the part where the breach existed sound and firm, and 
able without pain to bear pressure. 
For the Healing of the Wound, the continued applica- 
tion of poultices will be found beneficial so long as any annoying 
inflammatory action is lurking about the foot, and so iong as the 
wound itself puts on a healthy aspect, and seems disposed to 
granulate, or actually is granulating. But whenever such is 
not its character, and particularly when its surface looks pallid, 
and the circulation through it appears languid, stimulating and 
detergent dressings ought to be substituted for the poultices. 
Of the various kinds of Dressings in ordinary use for 
the purpose of promoting the healing of foot-wounds and their 
subsequent coating by a sound secretion of horn, none are 
found to answer well unless they be, through some suitable con- 
trivance, firmly bound upon the ulcerated surface, so as to give 
as much pressure to it as the animal can bear. Pressure to the 
extent of producing pain is injurious; but the utmost degree 
short of this is uniformly found to be attended with the happiest 
effects. In short, without concomitant pressure, the most ex- 
tolled dressings will seldom prove of much avail. If the hoof 
be cool, and it is considered that a light shoe can be worn with- 
out hurt, providing it be put on with small nails driven through 
parts of the crust able to bear the concussion of the hammer and 
to hold such nails, great advantage will be derived from it, in- 
asmuch as it will afford very convenient means for employing 
such pressure as is found so salutary and effectual. This is to 
be managed by obtaining two or more pieces of iron hooping, 
cut into lengths to admit of being placed, diagonally, across the 
sole, and of being confined in that situation through their ends 
being driven for stays between the web of the shoe and the 
sole. They should be so placed as to cross each other opposite 
to the part where the dressing is, that being previously covered 
with as many thicknesses of tow as become requisite for the ne- 
cessary pressure. After the hoop-iron stays are arranged so as 
to give firm and steady support to the tow underneath them, they 
\ (o ”5" <5^ 
