SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 
125 
other hand, if the outside of the foot be raised, the support¬ 
ing leg will throw the body off that leg, consequently the 
moving leg will be further off the supporting leg, and hence 
less liable to strike.” These arguments are good ; but still 
there have been cases where the practice of these suggestions 
has failed to produce the desired effect. 
But cutting does not always arise from natural defects, 
as it is often the consequence of unskilful shoeing. When 
this is the case, we usually find the upper edge, or that 
part which comes in contact with the crust, to be hammered 
inwards, leaving the lower edge on the ground side wider 
than the hoof, and projecting beyond it. 
In purchasing a horse which manifests marks of cutting 
by callous thickening on the inside of the fetlock, it is safest 
to avoid the purchase, as it is most difficult to ascertain the 
true cause by inspection, unless the throwing outwards or 
inwards of the toes be considerable. Besides, as above 
stated, some horses will cut when tired, and others from a 
weakness of the fetlock. 
SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. 
This disease is indicated by a sudden lameness ; and a 
considerable heat exists round the coronet, as well as ten¬ 
derness, which gives the animal pain when pressed upon. 
Sprain of the coffin-joint sometimes becomes a very bad 
complaint, in consequence of its being so often unobserved 
by grooms or even farriers, and it becomes deeply rooted 
before it is detected. Above all others, this complaint is 
frequently confounded with lameness of the shoulder. 
Remedies. —The first thing to be tried is bleeding at the 
toe ; and afterwards a blister should be applied, and at the 
same time the animal should have occasional doses of physic 
The following laxative may be given :—■ 
i 
