462 
A. L IAUTAKD. 
up, the local pain diminishes and soon disappears, and the pressure 
on the collar is then made as if there was no dialing underneath. 
6th. The opinion that the best way to cure this disease was 
the use of the Desencasteleur* has also been the means to give 
strength to the theory of the coercion of the intra horny tissues. 
Personally, we never have had recourse to this operation, and there¬ 
fore are unable to speak knowingly about it. If, however, we be¬ 
lieve the reports of others, they are far from being marvelous. 
Many authors dislike it. M. Goyau says : “ The artificial dila¬ 
tion of the foot is now fashionable. This organ, which for years 
had by degrees become narrow, atrophied, is now dilated in a few 
months, and by violent means repulsive to nature. It is often 
followed by lacerations which give rise to severe lameness. Often 
•j O 
the results obtained artificially are only temporary ; left to itself 
the foot soon returns to the narrow condition as quick as it was 
dilated—this state of atrophy being now its normal condition.” 
If such are the effects of what has been called u the first discovery 
of modern surgery.” they are not brilliant. 
It is true that examples have been given which seemed to prove 
the efficacy of this mechanical dilatation (opening of the heels). 
But are they truly due to the opening by force of the heels. 
Could not other influences produce them ? Could not the lesion 
produced by the separation of the horns from the living tissues 
have produced a greater flow of blood, giving rise to an increased 
vitality in the plantar cushion? No matter, we are not disposed 
to believe in this curative treatment, as we have not seen it suc¬ 
cessful except in the hands of few privilegies. 
Even some of its partisans notice its failures. Speaking of the 
operation by Jarrier’s mode, M. Bouley says : “ Often, when 
the instrument has been used with a great deal of care, the ani¬ 
mals seem not to suffer ; even in some cases their gait is freer. 
But it sometimes happens that they suffer excessively, and be¬ 
come very lame.” Of the same operation, M. Lafosse says : 
“ The soreness or pain produced by this method is manifest im¬ 
mediately after the animal is shod, or after a short walk. It 
* An instrument to produce the dilatation of the foot by force. 
