ear to the center plane. Such animals are especially liable to
stumbling and to lameness from injury to the ligaments of the fetlock
joints. This deformity is to be overcome by such shoeing as will
equalize the disparity in length of walls, and by proper boots to
protect the fetlocks from interfering.

INTERFERING.

An animal is said to interfere when one foot strikes the opposite leg,
as it passes by, during locomotion. The inner surface of the fetlock
joint is the part most subject to this injury, although, under certain
conditions, it may happen to any part of the ankle. It is seen more
often in the hind than in the fore legs. Interfering causes a bruise of
the skin and deeper tissues, generally accompanied with an abrasion of
the surface. It may cause lameness, dangerous tripping, and thickening
of the injured parts. (See also p. 387.)

_Causes._--Faulty conformation is the most prolific cause of
interfering. When the bones of the leg are so united that the toe of the
foot turns in (pigeon-toed), or when the fetlock joints are close
together and the toe turns out, when the leg is so deformed that the
whole foot and ankle turn either in or out, interfering is almost sure
to follow. It may happen, also, when the feet grow too long, from
defective shoeing, rough or slippery roads, from the exhaustion of labor
or sickness, swelling of the leg, high knee action, fast work, and
because the chest or hips are too narrow.

_Symptoms._--Generally, the evidences of interfering are easily
detected, for the parts are tender, swollen, and the skin broken. But
very often, especially in trotters, the flat surface of the hoof strikes
the fetlock without evident injury, and attention is directed to these
parts only by the occasional tripping and unsteady gait. In such cases
proof of the cause may be had by walking and trotting the animal, after
first painting the inside toe and quarter of the suspected foot with a
thin coating of chalk, charcoal, mud, or paint.

_Treatment._--When the trouble is due to deformity or faulty
conformation it may not be possible to overcome the defect.

In such cases, and as well in those due to exhaustion or fatigue, the
fetlock or ankle boot must be used. In many instances interfering may be
prevented by proper shoeing. The outside heel and quarter of the foot on
the injured leg should be lowered sufficiently to change the relative
position of the fetlock joint by bringing it farther away from t