WOUNDS OF THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE CLAW. 
825 
give a few days’ rest, and plenty of soft bedding; severe pain may be 
combated by cold applications; but when pus has formed, a free exit 
must be provided, though with as little destruction of the wall and sole 
as possible. The superficial form of inflammation exhibits the same 
peculiarities as in the horse, and a comparatively small opening is 
sufficient to allow the thin fluid pus to escape. After carefully cleans¬ 
ing the claws and injecting undermined portions of horn, a dressing is 
applied, which by smearing with tar can be rendered waterproof, so as 
to guard against the diseased spot being soiled by manure, Ac. Necrosis 
of the tendon or disease of the pedal-joint necessitates amputation of 
the claw. 
II.—WOUNDS OF THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE CLAW. 
On account of the comparative thinness of the horny wall, the soft 
tissues of the claw are often wounded in shoeing. They may also be 
injured by picked-up nails or other foreign bodies penetrating the sole. 
Such wounds generally affect the posterior parts of the sole and the bulbs 
of the heel, and are therefore as dangerous in cattle as in horses, the 
perforans tendon and pedal-joint being readily injured in either ; pricks 
in shoeing seldom injure more than the sensitive laminae. The toe may 
be injured when the hoof is shortened, the matrix or even the bone of 
the claw being injured by the knife or saw. In heavy draught the point 
of the toe sometimes breaks off or cracks across, and is pressed inwards, 
severely bruising the soft tissues. These facts should be borne in mind 
in forming the prognosis. 
Symptoms. Lameness usually sets in suddenly. Sometimes it is 
only slight, sometimes severe. Before examination the claws must be 
thoroughly cleansed. When the flexor tendons are injured pain is acute, 
and little or no weight can be placed on the foot, while the animals 
show great pain on dorsal flexion of the claw. Implication of the joint 
is shown by excessive pain, especially on rotation of the claw, and by 
swelling of the coronet, most marked above the toe. Not infrequently 
purulent synovia is discharged. 
Treatment requires the removal of any foreign body, cleansing of 
the injured spot, furnishing of a proper opening for discharge of pus 
(the above-mentioned precautions being borne in mind), and finally the 
observation of precautions against infection. Clean, dry straw should 
be provided, and, if necessary, a dressing applied. Injuries or secondary 
affections of the flexor tendons are treated on the lines laid down in 
speaking of panaritium. 
