172 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
*ead an inexperienced person to suppose the discharge of 
little consequence. In this, however, they will he sadly 
mistaken; for most serious mischief lurks within, and thp 
difficulty of removing it is extremely great. In this state 
of the disease, although the fistula is of very small dimen¬ 
sions, yet the effects of this confined matter will have 
extended over almost the entire quarter, and the horny 
sole may be separated from the foot. The matter may have 
penetrated and lodged beneath the ligaments and cartilages 
of the coffin-joint; and besides, the pressure of the matter 
wherever it has forced its way to, will have formed ulcera¬ 
tions which are most difficult to heal, and the horn which 
has been thus separated from the sensible parts below will 
never unite with them again, thus producing an evil of the 
worst description. 
Remedies. —It must be evident that this is a case which 
can only be successfully treated by a skilful veterinary 
surgeon. In most instances of such cases, it becomes neces¬ 
sary to remove the greater portion of the horny sole, and 
thereafter restore the healthy state of the tender surface 
beneath. When this has been effected, the horn will 
quickly be reproduced. But in cases where much of the 
sole has been removed, it will take at least six months to 
restore fully that which has been removed, so that the horse 
may again be subjected to labour. 
To restore the healthy condition of the foot, very active 
means must be adopted. Caustic applications alone will 
destroy the ulcerated surface. To ascertain the state of the 
disease, a probe must be used, and if it touches any of the 
bones, it is doubtful whether a cure can be effected even by 
the most skilful. One thing is certain, if it is found when 
the probe is inserted into the fistulous openings on the 
coronet, that the direction of the sinuses is backwards, r 
