THE HORSE’S FOOT. 
89 
GENERAL OPERATIONS. 
Removal of the sole (Germ., Absolilen).—This is an operation 
by which the sole of the foot is removed by severing it from the 
living tissues underneath. In times gone by this operation was 
extensively performed, being considered indispensable as soon as 
the slightest lesion under the sole existed. It was alleged that 
unless this was done the suppuration would be likely to spread 
underneath the horn. In our days, it is rarely performed, as it is 
considered that it presents but little advantage, so far, at least, as 
it involves the removal of the entire organ. Sometimes, how¬ 
ever, portions of it have to be taken off, as in some special diseased 
conditions of the foot, such as in punctured wound, pricking by 
the blacksmith, burnt sole, etc., the modus operandi of which will 
be considered when treating of these diseases. 
Removal of portion of the wall .—A few morbid conditions of 
some parts of the foot require in their treatment the removal of 
a portion of the wall, in order that the escape of pus, the removal 
of diseased tissue, or the sloughing of necrosed cartilaginous or 
bony structure, as in complicated cases of suppurative corns, 
of quarter crack or in cartilaginous quittor. A similar operation 
is sometimes required in cases of toe-crack complicated with 
disease of the os pedis. 
These will be further considered when treating of these special 
subjects. 
DRESSINGS. 
As nearly every operation of the foot requires a mode of dress¬ 
ing peculiar to the manipulations which have been necessary, we 
shall, when speaking of the different diseases, where parts of 
the walls have been removed, include also a description of the 
peculiar dressing they require. 
There is one, however, which is much thought of in veterin- 
nary surgery, and of what we will have to say more when speak¬ 
ing of punctured wounds of the foot. This is the dressing with 
plates, which serve to retain the plantar surface, the balls and 
pads of oakum, which are placed to protect the wound. The 
application of these plates is far superior to the leather sole, 
