of the affected foot. Stumbling is common, especially
on hard or rough roads. In most cases the animal comes out of the stable
stiff and inclined to walk on the toe, but after exercise he may go free
again. He wears his shoes off at the toe in a short time, no matter
whether he works or remains in the stable. If the shoe is removed and
the foot pared in old cases, a dry, mealy horn will be found where the
sole and wall unite, extending upward in a narrow line toward the
quarters.
_Treatment._--First of all, the preventive measures must be considered.
The feet are to be kept moist and the horn from drying out by the use of
damp sawdust or other bedding; by occasional poultices of boiled
turnips, linseed meal, etc., and greasy hoof ointments to the sole and
walls of the feet. The wall of the foot should be spared from the abuse
of the rasp; the frog, heels, and bars are not to be mutilated with the
knife, nor should calks be used on the shoe except when absolutely
necessary. The shoes should be reset at least once a month to prevent
the feet from becoming too long, and daily exercise must be insisted on.
As to curative measures, a diversity of opinion exists. A number of
kinds of special shoes have been invented, having for an object the
spreading of the heels, and perhaps any of these, if properly used,
would eventually effect the desired result. But a serious objection to
most of these shoes is that they are expensive and often difficult to
make and apply. The method of treatment which I have adopted is not only
attended with good results, but is inexpensive, if the loss of the
patient's services for a time is not considered a part of the question.
It consists, first, in the use of poultices or baths of cold water until
the horn is thoroughly softened. The foot is now prepared for the shoe
in the usual way, except that the heels are lowered a little and the
frog remains untouched. A shoe, called a "tip," is made by cutting off
both branches at the center of the foot and drawing the ends down to an
edge. The tapering of the branches should begin at the toe, and the shoe
should be of the usual width, with both the upper and lower surfaces
flat. This tip is to be fastened on with six or eight small nails, all
set well forward, two being in the toe. With a common foot rasp begin at
the heels, close to the coronet, and cut away the horn of the wall until
only a thin layer covers the soft tissues beneath. Cut forward until
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