ATROPHY OF THE PLANTAR CUSAION. 
413 
Observation rigorously proves these hypotheses, specially if 
applied to the anterior extremities alone. If the hind feet form 
exception to the rule—and even not always as we will show it 
further on—it is probably due to the physiological play of both; 
the former being agents of support, the latter of progression. 
By its atrophy, the plantar cushion has for direct results: 
first—to carry in its motions of shrinkage the corresponding 
regions of the wall—which must remain perfectly adapted to the 
size of the parts they enclose—that is to produce the contraction 
of the posterior regions of the wall; second—to occasion the 
straightening of the branches of the sole ; third—to bring on the 
atrophy of the frog which forcibly follows that of the pyramidal 
body. And besides, as the frog diminishes in size, its resting 
becoming less and less, the effect becomes in its turn an occasional 
cause. 
From the above, wc will draw the deduction that the disease 
called hoof-bound (eneastelure), is the necessary consequence of 
the primordial atrophy of the plantar cushion. 
We know that this conclusion is radically opposed to received 
ideas, and that in expressing it, we are entirely contrary to what 
is generally admitted, but it is with conviction that we do so after 
being satisfied that all causes to which the development of hoof- 
bound has been so far attributed were all hypothetical. 
Indeed, upon what basis was it admitted that the contraction 
of the wall preceded and produced the atrophy of the plantar 
cushion ? Simply upon considerations which, by being repeated 
over and over again, began at last to appear logical. It is true 
and possible that certain external influences may not be entirely 
unconnected with the development of this disease ; but if this 
action is real we will see that their importance has been much 
exaggerated. 
1. Have horses of a meridional breed a peculiar predestination 
to become hoof-bound ? 
Peu fondde est I’opinion qni considere 
Fencastelnre com me une consequence 
n€cessaire et fatale de Forganisution 
piimitive des individus originates dee 
pays m&ridionaux. —H. Bouley, 
Plow little founded is the opinion 
which considers lioof-hound as a neces¬ 
sary and fatal consequence of the 
piimitive organization of individuals 
bred in southern countries,—H. Bouley, 
