CORNS.
Cause.—In a flat foot, the heels of the coffin-bone squeeze the sensitive sole by pressing it against the shoe. In a contracted foot, the sensitive sole is squeezed between the wings of the coffin-bone and the thick, horny sole. A bruise results; blood is effused; and the stain of this left upon the horny sole—generally upon the inner side and anterior to the bars—constitutes a horse's corn, which is mostly found on the fore feet.
Symptom.—If the stain is dark, and is to be removed with the knife, this indicates a corn has been, but no longer exists. The smallest stain of bright scarlet testifies to the existence of a new and present corn. Corns are of four kinds—the old, the new, the sappy, and the suppurative. The old and new are produced by the blood, and are judged by the scarlet or dark-colored stain. The old is generally near the surface, the new is commonly deep seated. The sappy is when the bruise is only heavy enough to effuse serum. The new corn alone produces lameness. The suppurating corn may start up from either of the others receiving additional injury. It causes intense pain and produces acute lameness.
Treatment.—Cut out the stain. If a suppurating corn, place the foot in a poultice, after having opened the abscess. Then, the horn being softened, cut away all the sole which has been released by the pus from its attachment to the secreting surface. Tack on an old shoe, and dress with the solution of the chloride of zinc, one grain to the ounce. Afterward shoe with leather, and employ stopping to render the horn plastic.
COUGH.
Causes.—Foul stables; hot stables; coarse, dusty provender; rank bedding; irregular work; while the affection may attend many diseases.
Treatment.—Crush the oats; damp the hay; give gruel or linseed tea for drink. Clothe warmly, and give, thrice daily, half a pint of the following in a tumbler of water: Extract of belladonna, one drachm, rubbed down in a pint of cold water; tincture of squills, ten ounces; tincture of ipecacuanha, eight ounces. No change ensuing, next try—Barbadoes or common tar, half an ounce; calomel, five grains; linseed meal, a sufficiency: make into a ball, and give one night and morning. This being attended with no improvement, employ—Powdered aloes, one drachm; balsam of copaiba, three drachms; cantharides, three grains; common mass, a sufficiency. Mix, and give every morning.
A daily bundle of cut grass is good in the spring of the year. A lump of rock-salt has been beneficial. If the animal eats the litter, muzzle it. Roots are good. Moisten the hay; and, above all things, attend to the ventilation of the stable.
CRACKED HEELS.
Cause.—Cutting the hair from the heels, and turning into a straw-yard during winter.