666 
FRONTAL AND LATERAL FISSURES IN THE HOOF, 
KNOWN UNDER THE GENERAL TERM OF “ SANDCRACK,” 
EASILY AND SPEEDILY CURED BY ISOLATION. 
By Robert Read, M.R.C.V.S., Crediton , Devon. 
Having for a series of years adopted the usual and commonly 
known method of curing sandcrack, and other fissures of the crust, 
without the result of such treatment being so satisfactory as I could 
wish, since the cure proved long and tedious, and considerable rest 
also was occasionally required in obstinate cases, which length of 
rest turned out of considerable importance, as affecting the value 
of the animal, from the loss sustained in not having his services, 
particularly with the farmer ; — I say, with these facts before me, 
I was led, about seven years ago, to employ a new method, and 
I am pleased to be able to say it has proved of the most decided 
benefit : in short, it is a certain, safe, and speedy cure. The 
remedy consists in simply isolating the fissure within the segment 
of a circle, by the firing iron, as represented in the cut annexed. 
The best plan is to do it with the 
heel of the firing iron, beginning 
at the coronet with either extre- 
mity of the segment, bringing the 
iron to a finish in the centre. The 
iron should be at a strong red 
heat, and it must be carried 
through the horny crust until it 
reaches, in a trifling degree, the sensible laminae, and so through- 
out the entirety of the semi-circle. As you recede from the coro- 
net, so in proportion you will require to deepen the fissure in the 
wall or crust. The iron should be re-applied about once in a week 
or ten days. The first effect desirable to be produced is a bulg- 
ing of the crust around the coronet within the segment, and when 
once this is fairly established, the cure may be said to be effected, 
it being seldom necessary to apply the cautery afterwards. The 
old method of making a line with the iron across the fissure, it 
will be plainly seen on reflection, cannot prevent the opening and 
closing of the fissure during the action of the foot; whereas, con- 
fining the fissure within a segment of a circle, completely effects 
this object without having recourse to any other aid. If the horse 
be not very lame, he may continue his usual work on the road or 
farm. No tar cord, or strapping, or -alteration of the shoe is re- 
quired to limit the motion of the crust; all movement being sus- 
pended within the segment, and especially after bulging has com- 
menced. 
