TREATMENT OF CANKER. 
819 
not spreading in deeper-seated parts. When healing is well 
advanced, calomel in the form of dry powder forms a very valuable 
application. 
Mesnard (“ Bee. de Med. Vet.”) claims to have had excellent results 
from applying a mixture of 4 parts carbide of calcium and 1 part each 
of neutral acetate of copper and iodide of starch. The hoof is prepared 
as for the treatment with nitrate of lead, and after drying is freely dusted 
with the above powder and a pressure dressing applied. The process is 
repeated daily. 
In 1897 Imminger suggested a “ radical operation,” consisting in 
removing the velvety tissue of the sole or the sensitive laminae, where 
diseased. Whilst Imminger reserved this treatment for old-standing, 
severe cases, Eberlein practised it in every case he saw, removing the 
tissue with the knife “as though dealing with a tumour.” The wound 
was then irrigated with sublimate or creolin solution, strewed with 
pyoktanin, iodoform or tliioform, and covered with a compress dressing 
of gauze and jute. If no severe symptoms appeared, the first dressing 
was left in position for a fortnight and afterwards renewed every eight or 
ten days. After the first fortnight the surface granulated freely, and was 
surrounded by a margin of thin healthy horn, which gradually advanced 
over the wound. The parts, when dressed, were simply wiped and 
powdered with the dressing; any exuberant granulations were excised. 
Erohner cured 12 out of 14 horses in this way. The average duration 
of the cases was 27 days. Eberlein considers this the most successful 
of all extant modes of treatment. 
The disease cannot be regarded as cured until every point is absolutely 
dry, and normal horn formation has again set in. In spite of all 
precautions, relapses are very common, and therefore, for some months 
after recovery, the affected part should be kept under observation, so as 
immediately to check fresh onsets. Uisease of the bars is exceedingly 
troublesome. The sensitive structures of the bar being in contact with 
those of the frog, the vegetations coalesce, and render it extremely 
difficult to completely expose the diseased spot. It is often necessary to 
excise a portion of the new growth, and insert tampons between the two, 
a very small tampon being first thrust into the depths, and followed by 
others of increasing size, so that the dressing extends into the space 
between the bar and frog in the form of a wedge. Many observers 
recommend placing the horse during the day on a thick clay bed, and, 
after thoroughly cleaning the hoof, to use at night tan instead of straw. 
Although this method appears easy, its use is attended with many incon¬ 
veniences. Apart from the necessity for daily cleansing and changing 
the bed, the clay becomes soiled by urine and faeces, and requires 
frequent renewal. By working the horse on a brickfield, the same effect 
3 G 2 
