Diseases of the Horse's Foot Part 6

Among other questions productive of heated argument come those relating to expansion of the horse's hoof. In the past many observers have strenuously insisted on the fact that expansion and contraction regularly occur during progression. Opposed to them have been others equally firm in the belief that neither took place. Quite within recent times this question also has been settled once and for all by the experiments of A. Lungwitz, of Dresden. His conclusions were published in an article ent.i.tled 'Changes in Form of the Hoof under the Action of the Body-weight.'[A]

[Footnote A: _Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics_, vol.

iv., p. 191. The whole of the matter in this article, from which we have borrowed Figs. 35 and 36, is too long for reproduction here. It forms, however, most instructive reading, and its careful perusal will well repay everyone interested in this most important question (H.C.R.).]

In connection with this it is interesting to note how, all unconsciously, two separate observers were simultaneously arriving by almost identical means at an equally satisfactory answer to the question. Prior to the publication of Lungwitz's article on the subject, Colonel F. Smith, A.V.D., had arrived at similar conclusions by working on the same methods.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 35. I. Electric Bell with Dry Element. a, Under part, with box, for the dry element; 6, roller for winding up the conducting-wires; c, dry element, with screw-clamp for attachment of the conducting-wires; c', conducting-wire leading to the screw-clamp, with contact-spring in c', Fig. 2, or to the wall in Fig. 3; d, upper part, with bell; d', conducting-wire to the shoe d' in Figs. 2 and 3; e, strap for slinging the apparatus around the body of the a.s.sistant or rider; f, connecting-wire between bell and dry element.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 35. II. Hoof Shod with Shoe provided with Toe-piece and Calkins; Wall of the Hoof covered with Tinfoil. a, Heel angle, with b, the contact-screws; c, screw-clamp, with contact-spring (isolated from the shoe); c' conducting-wire from the same; d, screw-clamp, with conducting-wire (d') screwed into the edge of the shoe; e, nails isolated by cutting a small window in the tinfoil.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 35. III. Hoof Shod with Plain Shoe; h.o.r.n.y Wall covered with Tinfoil. a, Toe and heel angle, with b, the contact-screws; c, conducting-wire pa.s.sing from the tinfoil on the wall; d, conducting-wire pa.s.sing from the shoe; c', d', ends of the conducting-wires, which must be imagined connected with the ends c', d', pa.s.sing from the apparatus.]

It is unnecessary for our purpose here to minutely describe the exact _modus operandi_ of these two experimenters. Briefly, the method of inquiry adopted in each case was the 'push and contact principle' of the ordinary electric bell, and the close attention which was paid to detail will be sufficiently gathered from Figs. 35 and 36.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 36. I. LEFT FORE-FOOT SHOD AND MOUNTED TO RECOGNISE THE SINKING OF THE SOLE. _a_, Iron plate covering the inner half of the h.o.r.n.y sole; _b_, openings in the same, with screw-holes for the reception of the contact-screw _c_ (the part of the sole under the plate is covered with tinfoil, which at _d_ pa.s.ses out under the outer branch of the shoe, and becomes connected with the tinfoil of the wall; in order to give the freshly applied tinfoil a better hold, copying-tacks are at _e_ pa.s.sed through it into the horn, and one is similarly used to protect the tinfoil at the place where the contact-screw touches the latter); _f_, holes with screw thread for the fastening of the angle required to measure the movement of the wall, and also for the fastening of the conducting-wire, _g; h_, conducting-wire pa.s.sing from the tinfoil; _i_, isolated nails.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 36. II. BAR-SHOE WITH OPENINGS. _a_, Near the inner margin and in the longitudinal bar; _b_, for the reception of the contact-screw _c; d_, openings for fastening the angle and the conducting-wires.]

After numerous experiments with the depicted contact-screws, moved to the various positions indicated in the drawings, the following conclusions were arrived at:

1. BEHAVIOUR OF THE CORONARY EDGE.--During uniform weighting of all four hoofs the coronary edge shows a tendency to contraction in the anterior and lateral regions of the hoof, and a tendency to expansion posteriorly. With heavy weighting of the hoof, which is shown by a backward inclination of the fetlock, contraction in the anterior and lateral regions is slight, but the expansion behind, in the region of the heels, is distinct, commencing gradually in front, becoming stronger, and diminishing again posteriorly.

The coronary edge of the heels becomes slightly bulged outwards. The bulbs of the heels swell up and incline a little backwards and downwards.

When the fetlock is raised the expansion of the coronary edge of the heels disappears from behind forwards, pa.s.sing forwards like a fluid wave. In the lateral and anterior regions of the coronary edge the contraction disappears; and when the weight is thrown off the foot it pa.s.ses into a gentle expansion of the coronary edge of the toe. During the opposite movement of the fetlock, that of sinking backwards, this change of form is executed in the converse manner.

In short, the coronary edge resembles a closed elastic ring, which yields to pressure, even the most gentle, of the body-weight, in such a way that a bulging out of any one part is manifested by an inward movement of another part.

In Fig. 37, _b_, the dotted line represents the changes of form in comparatively well-formed and sound hoofs at the moment of strongest over-extension[A] of the fetlock-joint.

[Footnote A: The term 'over-extension,' as employed by Lungwitz, is intended to indicate that position a.s.sumed by the fetlock-joint when the opposite foot is raised from the ground.]

2. BEHAVIOUR OF THE SOLAR EDGE.--Under the action of the body-weight this is somewhat different from that of the coronary edge. Anteriorly, and at the sides, as far as the wall forms an acute angle with the ground, the tendency to expansion exists, but the change of form first becomes measurable in the region where the lateral cartilages begin. Quite posteriorly the expansion again diminishes.

Fig. 37, _a_, by the dotted line represents the expansion at the moment of over-extension of the fetlock-joint. This expansion is itself rather less than at the coronary edge, and it shows itself distinctly _only when the weighted hoof is exposed to a counter-pressure on the sole and frog_, no matter whether the counter-pressure is produced naturally or artificially.

Thus anything tending to the removal of the pressure from below, such as a decayed condition of the frog or excessive paring in the forge, will diminish the extent of expansion of the solar edge.

Contraction of the solar edge of the heels occurs at the moment of greatest over-extension of the fetlock-joint--that is, in a foot with pressure from below absent. On the face of it, this appears impossible. Lungwitz, however, has perfectly demonstrated it; and, when dealing with the functions of the lateral cartilages in a later paragraph, we shall show reason for why it is but a simple and natural result of the foot dynamics.

3. BEHAVIOUR OF THE SOLE.--The h.o.r.n.y sole becomes flattened under the action of the body-weight. This is most distinct at the solar branches, and gradually shades off anteriorly and towards the circ.u.mference. As might be supposed, width of hoof and thickness of the solar horn exert an influence on the extent of this movement. The sinking of the h.o.r.n.y sole is most marked in flat hoofs.

D. THE FUNCTIONS OF THE LATERAL CARTILAGES.[A]

[Footnote A: Extracted from a paper by J.A. Gilruth, M.R.C.V.S., in the _Veterinary Record_, vol. v., p. 358.]

We have just referred to contraction of the heels as taking the place of a normal expansion in those cases where ground frog-pressure was absent. We shall readily understand this when we bear in mind the anatomy of the parts concerned, especially that of the plantar cushion. This wedge-shaped structure we have already described as occupying the irregular s.p.a.ce between the two lateral cartilages, the extremity of the perforans tendon, and the h.o.r.n.y frog.

Now, when weight or pressure is exerted from above on to this organ, and the _frog is in contact with the ground below_, it is clear from the position the cushion occupies that, whatever change of form pressure from above will cause it to take, it must certainly be limited in various directions.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 37. _a_, The dotted lines in this diagram represent the expansion of the solar edge of the hoof at the moment of over-extension of the fetlock-joint; _b_, the dotted line represents the change in form of the coronary edge under similar circ.u.mstances.]

Because of the shape of the cushion its change of form cannot be forwards (simultaneous pressure from above and below on to this wedge with its apex forwards must tend to give it a backward change of form). Because of the pastern being horizontal, and aiding in the downward pressure, its change of form cannot be upwards. And because of the ground it cannot be downwards. It follows, therefore, that the movement must be backwards and outwards, being especially directed outwards because of its shape and the median lacuna in its posterior half--this latter, the lacuna, accommodating as it does the frog-stay, preventing the tendency to backward movement becoming excessive, and directing the change of form to the sides. Where the greatest pressure is transmitted, then, is to the inner aspects of the flexible lateral cartilages. The coronary cushion being continuous with the plantar, the backward and outward movements of the latter will tend to pull upon and tighten the former, especially _in front_. This will account for the contraction noted by Lungwitz in the _anterior half_ of the coronary edge of the hoof.

Remove the body-weight, and naturally the elastic nature of the lateral cartilages and the coronary and plantar cushions, with, in a less degree, that of the hoof, cause things to a.s.sume their normal position.

Repeat the weighting of the hoof, in this second case _without frog-pressure_, and we shall see at once that we have done away with one of the greatest factors in determining the outward and backward movements of the plantar cushion--namely, the pressure from below on its wedge-shaped ma.s.s. The movement of the plantar cushion will now be _downwards_ as well as backwards; and, seeing that it is attached to the inner aspect of each lateral cartilage, we shall expect these latter, by the downward movement of the plantar cushion, to be drawn _inwards_. This Lungwitz has shown to occur.

The chief function of the lateral cartilages, therefore, is to _receive the concussion engendered by locomotion_, which concussion is directed backwards and outwards by the pad-like plantar cushion.

In addition to this, the lateral cartilages, together with the plantar and coronary cushions, _play the part of a valve to the whole of the veins of the foot_.

It is in this way: We have only to refer to the chapter on anatomy to see that the whole of the foot is covered with a tissue of extreme vascularity.

Thus we find papillae--the over the coronary cushion; enlarged and modified papillae sensitive laminae--covering the anterior face of the os pedis; and numberless papillae again covering the sole. There can be no doubt that the quant.i.ty of fluid brought by the bloodvessels of these papillae to the foot acts largely as a means of hydraulic protection to the soft structures.[A]

In like manner as that delicate organ, the brain, is best protected by being floated upon the cerebro-spinal fluid and bloodvessels (which fluids transmit waves of concussion or pressure _through_ the organ without injury to the delicate cells forming it), so, in like manner, does the extreme vascularity of the foot protect the cells of its softer structures from the effects of pressure and concussion.

[Footnote A: The _Veterinary Record_, vol. iii., p. 518.]

That this law of hydraulics may operate in the horse's foot to the best advantage, the veins must be provided with valves, and valves of no mean strength. These we know to be absent. It is here that the lateral cartilages and the elastic substances of the coronary and plantar cushions step in to supply the deficiency.

At the time when weight is placed upon the foot (with, of course, a tendency to drive the blood upwards in the limb), and, therefore, the time when a valvular apparatus is needed to retain the fluid in the foot, we find the wanting conditions supplied by the pressure outwards of the plantar cushion compressing the large plexuses of veins on each side of the lateral cartilages, to which plexuses, it will be remembered, the bulk of the venous blood from the foot was directed. A more perfect valvular apparatus, automatic and powerful, it would be difficult to imagine.

E. GROWTH OF THE HOOF.

We will conclude this chapter with a few brief remarks on the growth of the hoof. That the rate of growth is slow is a well-known fact to every veterinarian, and it will serve for all practical purposes when we state that, roughly, the growth of the wall is about 1/4 inch per month. This rate is regular all round the coronet, from which it follows that the time taken for horn to grow from the coronary edge to the inferior margin will vary according as the toe, the quarters, or the heels are under consideration.

As might naturally be expected, the rate of growth will depend on various influences. Any stimulus to the secreting structures of the coronet, such as a blister, the application of the hot iron, or any other irritant, results in an increased growth. Growth is favoured by moisture and by the animal going unshod, as witness the effects of turning out to gra.s.s.

Exercise, a state of good health, stimulating diets--in fact, anything tending to an increased circulation of healthy blood--all lead to increased production of horn. With the effects of bodily disease and of ill-formed legs and feet on the wear of the hoof, and the growth of horn, we shall be concerned in a future chapter.

CHAPTER IV

METHOD OF EXAMINING THE FOOT

As a general rule, it may be taken that most diseases of the foot are comparatively easy of diagnosis. When, however, the condition is one which commences simply with an initial lameness, the greatest care will have to be exercised by the pract.i.tioner.

What remarks follow here should rightly be confined to a treatise on lameness. This much, however, we may state: As compared with lameness arising from abnormal conditions in other parts of the limb, that emanating from abnormalities of the foot is easy of detection. With a case of lameness before him, concerning which he is in doubt, the pract.i.tioner remembers that a very large percentage may safely be referred to the foot, and, if wise, subjects the foot to a rigorous examination.

Much may be gathered by first putting the animal through his paces. When at a trot, notice the peculiarity of the 'drop,' whether any alteration in going on hard or soft ground, and watch for any special characteristic in gait. At the same time inquiry should be made as to the history of the case; its duration; whether pain, as evidenced by lameness, is constant or periodic; the effect of exercise on the lameness; and the length of time elapsed since the last shoeing.

This failing to reveal adequate cause for the lameness in any higher part of the limb, one is led, by a process of negative deduction, to suspect the foot. If 'pointing' is a symptom, its manner is noticed. The foot is compared with the other for any deviation from the normal. In some cases the two fore or the two hind feet may differ in size. Though this may not necessarily indicate disease, it may, nevertheless, be taken into account if the lameness is not easily referable to any other member. Measurement with calipers will then be of help, and a p.r.o.nounced increase in size, especially if marked in one position only, given due consideration. The hand is used upon each foot alternately to look for change of temperature, to detect the presence of growths small enough to escape the eye, and to discover evidence of painful spots along the coronet.

At this stage the method of percussion recommends itself, and in many cases no more useful diagnostic agent is to be found than the ordinary hammer. As a preliminary, the foot of the sound limb should be always tapped first.

This precaution will serve to bring to light what is frequently met with--the aversion nervous animals sometimes exhibit to this manner of manipulation of the hoof. Unless this is done, the ordinary objection to interference is apt to be read as evidence of pain. No aversion to the method being shown, the suspected foot is gently tapped in various places round the wall, a keen look-out being kept for any manifestation of tenderness. This may vary from a slight resentment to each tap, indicated by a sudden lifting and setting down again of the foot, to a complete removal of the foot from the ground, and a characteristic pawing of the air that points out clearly enough the seat of pain.

Evidence of pain once given, the tapping is persisted in until, in some cases, the exact position of the tender spot is definitely located.