LOSS OF THE CLAW. 
8B9 
iodine tincture into the coronary band, and therefore the prognosis 
principally depends on the number of diseased claws. Where confined 
to single claws, amputation at the last joint offers the most satisfactory 
results, otherwise the loose claw should be removed, the matrix cleansed 
and disinfected, smeared with tar or other disinfectant, and a bandage 
applied. Kutzbach recommends liquor arsenicalis internally, and locally 
pencilling with nitrate of silver. Attempts to save the diseased claw 
generally fail. In this respect the condition shows a great resemblance 
to canker and certain forms of chronic laminitis in horses. Unlike 
canker, however, it shows no tendency to produce vegetations from the 
matrix of the claw. 
II.—BRUISES AND WOUNDS OF THE PADS OF THE 
SOLE AND TOE. 
The carpal-pads of carnivora do not touch the ground during move¬ 
ment, and the body-weight is sustained by those of the sole and toes. 
Continued exercise on rough, hard ground may wear these away, and 
cause the animal to show pain when walking, a condition most commonly 
seen in sporting-dogs during the winter. In addition, the pads may be 
injured by treading on sharp objects, like pieces of glass, which produce 
more or less serious wounds, or by the animal stepping in caustic 
chemical substances like quicklime, acids, &c. 
The naturally black colour of the pad is lost when its epidermis is 
excessively worn, and the surface then appears more or less red, painful 
on pressure, and abnormally warm. The animal rests a great deal, and 
when on rough ground, takes short steps, exhibits pain, and has a desire 
to lick the pads. Should the epidermis be completely worn away at 
any point, suppuration, or even necrosis, of the pad may occur. Severe 
lameness results, appetite is lost, and fever sets in. Wounds-of the pad 
generally suppurate, and may even become gangrenous. 
The prognosis is generally favourable when rest can be given and 
extensive necrosis has not occurred. In the latter case the phalangeal 
joints may become the seat of purulent or septic inflammation, though 
such a result is rare. 
Treatment. When the pads are sore, the animal should be rested 
and placed on a dry, clean bed. In eight to fourteen days the epidermis 
will have grown again. If the parts be wounded or suppurating, the 
undermined epidermis is carefully removed with scissors, the wound 
cleansed, and any foreign body removed. Abscesses, when present, are 
freely laid open. Further treatment is scarcely desirable, both because 
the animal resists, and because it keeps the wound thoroughly clean by 
