MANAGEMENT OF THE WEANLINGS 
107 
descent of the testicle into the scrotum and thereby cause the gland to so 
develop that it will perform its normal function, this would not prevent 
the transmission of the defect to the offspring.” Williams. 48 
Cracks 
“Interruptions of continuity of the wall extending in the direction of 
the horn-tubes are known as cracks or seams. They have according to 
their location, degree, and extent, not only various names, but also a vary¬ 
ing significance. 
“ Occurrence . On the inner side of front hoofs, especially of horses 
that stand base-wide; on hind hoofs, usually at the toe. 
“ Classification . According to location we distinguish toe cracks, side- 
cracks, quarter-cracks, and bar cracks. Those cracks which affect only 
the upper border of the hoof are called coronary cracks; those which are 
limited to the lower border of the hoof are sometimes designated low 
cracks (plantar cracks); while those which are continuous from one 
border to the other are called complete cracks. If the crack passes 
through the entire thickness of the wall to the sensitive tissues under¬ 
neath, it is called a deep or penetrating crack, in contradistinction to 
the superficial crack . . . 
“ Causes . There are many. Besides wounds of the coronet, everything 
that impairs the elasticity of the horn, weakens the hoof, and causes an 
overloading of one-half of the hoof. Furthermore, great dryness and ex¬ 
cessive work on hard streets. 
“Prognosis. This will depend upon the age, kind, and location of the 
crack. A low crack is without significance unless it is the remnant of 
an old coronary crack which has grown down. Coronary cracks, on the 
contrary, are more serious because of the lameness which often accom¬ 
panies them, and especially on account of the long duration of the heal¬ 
ing process. 
“The borders of the crack never grow together, and healing can only 
take place through healthy, unbroken horn growing down from the coron¬ 
ary band.” Lungwitz and Adams. 73 
