as an exploratory means to
diagnosis.

When it appears fairly certain, even in the case of a moist corn, that pus
does not exist, then paring is to be discountenanced, for the reason that
it only tends to weakening of the parts and to assist largely in the corn's
recurrence.

Those who advocate it do so for the reason that it relieves pressure on the
injured parts.

That it does so directly from below cannot be denied; but that it also
favours contraction and compression from side to side is equally certain.

A moderate paring may, however, be indulged in, say, to about one-half
the estimated thickness of the sole. Softening of the horn and consequent
lessening of pressure may then be brought about by the use of oil, oil and
glycerine, tincture of creasote, or by poulticing.

In the case of a moist corn the paring should be stopped immediately the
true nature of the injury has made itself apparent. Warm poultices or hot
baths should then be used in order to soften the surrounding parts, lessen
the pressure, and ease the pain. After a day or two day's poulticing,
should pain still continue with any symptom of severity, the formation
of pus may be expected, and it is then time for the paring to be carried
further, until the question 'pus or no pus?' is definitely settled.

Should the moisture be due simply to the presence of the inflammatory
exudate, then poulticing alone will have the desired effect, and the
pain will be lessened. With the decrease in pain the poulticing may be
discontinued, and the horn over the seat of the injury dressed with some
antiseptic and hardening solution. Sulphate of zinc, a mixture of sulphate
of zinc and lead acetate, sulphate of copper, or the mixture known as
Villate's solution,[A] may either of them be used. Suitably shod, and with
a leather sole for preference, the animal may then again be put to work.

[Footnote A: The composition of the escharotic liquid bearing his name was
published by M. Villate in 1829 as under:

Subacetate of lead liquid ... ... ... 128 grammes.
Sulphate of zinc [=a=a] ... ... ... 64 grammes.
Sulphate of copper, [=a=a] ... ... ... 64 grammes.
Acetic acid ... ... ... ... 1/2 litre.

Dissolve the salts in the acid, add little by little the subacetate of
lead, and well shake the mixture.]

When dealing with suppurating corn, then, a considerable