Treatment.—If very slight, remove all pressure at that point (rest if possible), and bathe with salt water or muriate of ammonia frequently. If more advanced, use hot fomentations. If matter forms, make free opening for its escape at lowest point. Treat with solution of sulphate of zinc. When the sore becomes healthy, and the core removed, use carbolic dressing and keep clean. Should it break out again, inject the abscess with a solution of sulphate of zinc 20 grains to the ounce of water every second or third day until entirely healed.
[FOOT INFLAMMATION.]
Symptoms.—Brought on by founder, hard driving, lack of moisture to hoofs, indigestion and fevers, punctures, bruises, etc. Manifested by increased temperature of foot, pain on moderate percussion with hammer around the wall of hoof towards clenches and heel (the opposite foot being held up), and firm pressure by pincers around margin of hoof after removal of shoe.
Treatment.—After locating the injury remove surrounding horn freely to prevent formation of, or to give vent to, any matter. Place foot in hot water for one hour, and then poultice. Dress with tar and tow.
[FOUNDER.]
Symptoms.—Laminitis, or acute founder, consists of inflammation of the laminæ by which the hoof is attached to the sensitive foot, caused by hard driving, leaving heated horse to stand in snow, standing in cold draughts, too much grain and cold water afterwards.
The animal evinces much distress and can scarcely be made to move, and when compelled to stir does so with great difficulty and pain, putting heels of fore feet to the ground and bringing hind feet forward under body. The feet are very hot and intensely painful, and the slightest percussion causes great agony. In standing the fore feet are advanced if they are affected (most frequently the case). If they are drawn under the body, the trouble is in the hind feet.
Treatment.—Give 1 pint of linseed-oil; remove shoes, then stand in cold water or wet clay most of the time for two or three days, and make cold applications to legs. Poultice if necessary. Then compel animal to take exercise on soft, damp ground, at first slowly and for short distances. If tenderness remains after inflammation has passed, blister around coronet, and continue exercise on damp ground. Blister may be repeated every nine days if necessary.
Be careful to apply blister (cantharides 1 part, olive-oil 6 or 8 parts) only on protuberant band which extends for a finger's breadth above the hoof, and not on pasterns.
Feed bran mashes and grass. Place bucket of water containing ½ ounce nitre near by if animal be feverish, so that he may drink.