(594 
JAMES M’DONOUGH. 
While considering the limb in a vertical position, if the dis¬ 
tance of the two heels from the center of the frog is not equal, 
the limb will drop in the direction of the narrow side. This also 
applies to pads, for if the center of a pad is not under the center 
of the frog, the limb will be inclined to the narrow side. It does 
not make the slightest difference how wide the pad is on the one 
side if the other side is wider it offers more support to that side 
of the limb and will cause it to lean in the direction of the op¬ 
posite side, where it receives the least support. 
So far as I know one has to depend entirely upon his eye 
when balancing a limb. The custom is to measure the foot at 
several places, but as the position of every part is dependent upon 
its shape, it leaves us without any fixed point from which we can 
take measurements. The better way is to pick up the opposite 
foot, thereby throwing all of the weight upon the limb to be cor¬ 
rected, and if the ergot found back of the ankle occupies a posi¬ 
tion directly over the depression between the bulbs of the heels, 
we can feel that the work of the limb is properly distributed. 
Stumbling behind (breaking- over) is usually caused by some 
condition existing on the inside of the hock joint that renders it 
unable to perform its work with comfort, and can often be ac¬ 
cepted as an early symptom of an approaching spavin. 
In most cases, the foot will be inclined to the outside, thereby 
increasing the work on the inside of the hock joint. 
I have tried many different methods of shoeing to overcome 
stumbling behind, and have had the most success with a long shoe 
provided with low heels and toe, with a calk situated at either 
side under the quarters. When fitted, if the foot is inclined to 
the outside, it might be well to fit the shoe full on that side, or 
narrow on the inside. 
The California State Veterinary Medical Associa¬ 
tion will hold its next meeting, September n, 1912, at Fresno, 
and a large attendance of the members of this progressive organ¬ 
ization is anticipated. 
