ATROPHY OP THP PLANTAR CUSHION. 
463 
subsides in a few hours unless it manifests itself by a very severe 
lameness. 
If boof-hound was merely a shutting up of the sensible tissues 
of the foot by the contractions of the wall, it would seem that 
relief would follow the slightest dilatation. But it is not so, and 
even more, this may be followed by severe lameness. 
The immediate appearance of the lameness, or its increased 
state after artificial dilatation, is not surprising. Intimately 
united to the sub horny tissues, the wall cannot be separated 
from them without tearing, laceration of soft tissues or separa¬ 
tion of the laminae. 
Let me also say that often the contraction is unilateral, and 
that by the use of the desencastelem\ both heels, the diseased as 
well as the healthy, are open. Is not that sufficient to show the 
irrationality of this therapeutic ? 
To resume, if by the mechanical dilatation, a few satisfactory 
results were obtained, seen by credulous eyes, it is certain 
that the deceptions outnumber them greatly. It is not surpris¬ 
ing that, starting from a false part, negative results or failure 
were reached. To restitute to the foot, as much as possible, its 
normal conditions of rest, such is the unique object to be ob¬ 
tained when treating hoof-bound. And if by this means 
satisfactory permanent results are reached, our opinion upon 
the nature of the atrophy of the plantar cushions is fully con¬ 
firmed. 
In looking over the dissertations of many veterinary authors 
upon this subject of hoof-bound, we see that generally they have 
come to the conclusion that the therapeutic mode likely to bring 
the most favorable results was to palce the animal in such condi¬ 
tion that the frog could participate to the pressure at rest. See 
what M. Goyau says after speaking of the forced dilatation : 
u To cure contracted feet, other means are more efficacious. 
Some are imitations of nature. A long sojourn iu a marshy 
ground, or in a box stall with damp floor, is always beneficial, 
when first the foot has been well pared down. The results are 
serious, quick and lasting ; bnt the horse is laid up long, and 
cannot be used. Work on soft ground, with a light shoe, allow- 
