’Considering that the cracks or splits are always found in the immediate vicinity of the nail-holes, a certain amount of discretionary skill is required in order that the lameness may be attributed to its proper cause.  This is an instance in which the presence of the veterinary surgeon is imperative, in order to prevent undue blame being attached to the shoeing-smith.  Misconception in these cases might very easily arise when parties concerned are disposed to accept an unskilled opinion, sometimes resulting in danger to the proprietor of the forge, not only of losing a shoeing contract, but also of being involved in other ways which would probably prove even more disastrous.

’Horses that stand on sawdust or moss litter are sometimes found with extensive discoloration of the horny sole in front of the frog.  Their bedding material collects in the shoe as snow does, and forms a mass, which keeps a continued and uneven pressure upon the sole.  A sound foot is not injuriously affected, but a very thin sole is, and so also is a sole which has been bruised by a picked up stone.  Even a slight bruise becomes serious if pressure is allowed to remain active over the injured part.  Lameness increases, serous fluid is effused between the horn and sensitive part, or even haemorrhage may take place.’[A]

[Footnote A:  Hunting, Veterinary Record, vol. xiv., p. 593.]

The Treatment of Chronic Bruised Sole offers no special difficulty.  Removal of the cause (in nearly every case incorrect bearing of the shoe) is the first consideration.  That done, the lesion may be searched for and treated in the ordinary manner as described for corn.  When pus is present it must, of course, be given exit, and an antiseptic solution applied to the wound.  Should the sensitive structures be laid bare when allowing the pus to escape, then the wound so made should afterwards be protected with a leather sole and antiseptic stopping.

CHAPTER VIII

WOUNDS OF THE KERATOGENOUS MEMBRANE

A. NAIL-BOUND—­BIND OR TIGHT-NAILING.

Definition.—­By the term ‘nail-bound’ is indicated that accident occurring in the forge in which the nail of the shoe is driven too near the sensitive structures.  Although involving no actual wound, it is important to consider the condition under the heading of this chapter, in order that it may be distinguished from the graver accident of a ‘prick.’

Causes.—­Very largely the whole matter of causation turns on the correct fitting of the shoe.  The points especially to be noticed in this connection are (1) the position of the nail-holes in the web of the shoe, (2) the ‘pitch’ of the nail-holes.