Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-10-26
Ailments Of the Horse.

The term forging is an expression used
among horsemen to denote a peculiar AN.
pleasant sound, proddced when an animal
s trotting slowly or walking, and some
times even when they are going at good,
sharp trot. 1t is the clicking noise caused
by the toes of the hind shoes striking
| against the heels of the front ones. In
| some instances this is 80 annoying as to
depreciate the value OF the animal, espe-
cially in those horses which carry IL to
such degree as TO in1ure the back OF the
coronet, sometimes causing lameness. and
often a wound of a more or less SERIOUS
nature. The fault is generally termed
over-reachlng or grabbing. The term over.
reaching or grabbing; and forging, although
very different in many respects, can only
be considered as notifications OF one an
other, over-reaching or grabbing being the
more serious. The causes are various. In
some instances il is the result Of debility,
as is often noticed during convalescence
from some depicting disease. We also find
colts which have not fully matured addic-
ted TO this vice, especially those which
have, as 1t were, Outgrown themselves.
The muscles of progression are not snR-
ciently strong TO sustain the weight and
propel the body In proper manner, hence
the awkward gait. Now and then we meet
with cases where the condition is remittent
the animal gong perfectly sound one day;
possibly on the next the clicking noise is
heard every few steps, while on the fol-
lowing day he will 60 all right, aud remain
so Tor time, when the noise will be again
heard. This can only be accounted for by
the presence of temporary muscular debll-
lty, the result of some constitutional dis
turbance, Eot sufficient, however, TO cause
any noticeable illness. Again, In some
ANIMALS it seems to be natural way of
going, and is best relieved by judicious
shoeing. The aggravated condition, over
reach or grab, Is the result of what might
be termed an accident, such as is liable to
occur when an animA is struggling through
deep snow, or travelling upon very rough
or SOFT muddy road, 1t also often occurs
In trotting horses when they are forced TO
gait beyond their natural speed, or when
they are suddenly checked by a rough
hand during the act of breaking from the
trot to the gallop. 1t of course occurs at
other times, but these are occasions when
il is common.
The treatment of these conditions, of
course, depends upon the cause. In forg-
ing the Cnpleasantness can generally be
removed at once by preventive measures,
such as allowing the wall of the hind foot
TO project about say one quarter of an
inch beyond the shoe. and TO prevent the
shoe from being too easily wrenched from
Its proper situation small clip should be
turned up on each side and in front of the
quarters. The animal should be shod in
this way until 1t has regained It's strength,
or for an indefinite period, and to obviate
the ossioility of grabbing tie front of the
SHOE sHOuru UC UUVCIrUd rrUIH INC EUIU
backwards The treatment of over-Teach
or grab must, of course, depend upon the
size and condition of the wound. If it is
a deep cut, and recently made. the edges
should be brought together and retained
there by sutures, and the whole covered
with flexible collodion or something which
will protect the wound from the injurious
effects of the air. If the wound is only
slight it should be treated as such, VIZ, by
keeping it thoroughly clean and applying
healing lotions or oIntments. If there is
much inflammation 1t may be kept in SUBJ
lection by hot or cold applications in the
shape of poultices or stuping, but nothing
is better at this season of the year than
the part with water from an Oh
dInary hose.