SAND-CRACK. 
163 
the hoof in the hind feet, occasioned by the pressure applied 
by the toe in progressive motion, especially when the animal 
is dragging a heavy load behind him, and more particularly 
on an ascent. 
Hoofs that crack in this manner are brittle in the crust, 
which is an extremely bad defect, and is caused by a want 
of that nutriment necessary to keep the crust supple. It 
also proceeds from disease in the foot. It may besides occur 
from a false step or over-exertion. 
Sometimes the crack is only superficial, and does not 
extend through the hoof, in which case it occasions no 
lameness. It will, however, require attention, as, if neglect¬ 
ed, it may reach the quick, and occasion much trouble. 
Remedies. —When sand-crack is occasioned by brittleness 
of the hoof, let the following composition be rubbed into 
the crust twice a day until it becomes pliable :— 
Oil of tar . .2 ounces, 
Common fish-oil . . 4 ounces. 
To assist in softening the hoof while the above ointment 
is used, cow-dung or felt should be applied to stop the foot 
as recommended in contraction of the hoof, page 157. Ii 
a superficial crack it should be pared and rasped entirely 
out; and if it has been of considerable depth, it ought to 
be strengthened by a coating of pitch, applied so thick as 
to replace all that has been rasped off, and formed so as to 
represent the natural shape of the foot. Indeed rasping 
ought to be had recourse to with every crack, so as to 
ascertain its depth. Should it be found to penetrate through 
the crust without occasioning lameness, and is situated low 
down on the foot, recourse must be had to a red-hot firing 
iron, which should be drawn across the hoof, both above 
and below the crack, so as to prevent it from extending. 
The edges ought thereafter to be thinned, to prevent any 
