THE HORSe'8 FOOT. 
547 
of the plantar aponeurosis. A free escape of synovia must al¬ 
ways he facilitated, and often the development of the granula¬ 
tions has to be controlled. If the cicatrization proceeds well and 
regularly, dressings need be changed but seldom, being satisfied 
with the cold bath, with copper solutions. 
Dressings can be made with tincture of myrrh or of aloes ; 
sometimes in the center with tincture of iodine. At times caus¬ 
tics are again used, while at others fragments of bone or of ten¬ 
don have to be excised. 
The entire closing of such a wound may sometimes take place 
in a month ; but often, even without complications, two and three 
are required. Complications may easily make their appearance 
and interfere with the cicatrization. Sometimes pieces of 
necrosed tissues which remain at the bottom of the wound 
give rise to fistulous tracts, until they are entirely removed. In 
this case, twice as long a time may be necessary to a cure. The 
pain and intensity of the lameness, after the operation, do not 
accurately indicate the nature of the disease; the general phlog- 
osis, especially the synovial inflammation, always causes a special 
acute pain, which for from three to six weeks may prevent the 
animal from resting his foot on the ground. This pain is entirely 
independent of the process of repair, and must not alarm the 
veterinarian. While the reacting fever is absent, and there is.a 
good appetite and no swelling in the region of the coronet, the 
progress may be considered satisfactory. 
After the eicatization of the plantar wound made during the 
operation, the parts may return to their physiological condition or 
nearly so; or, on the contrary, remain in an entirely abnormal 
condition. Often, indeed, the sesamoid sheath may become ob¬ 
literated, the diarthrosidal surface has lost its smoothness and 
there is no more sliding upon it, the tendon having become 
united to it. The animal then remains lame, and cannot be 
utilized except in walking; if coronary anchylosis, ringbones are 
detected, and the application of firing is indicated. Sometimes 
neurotomy gives excellent results. 
(To be continued .) 
