The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1885-02-07
Care of Horses Hoofs.


hoof becomes hard, brittle and reduced
IN size; but it does not, however, under
go this physical change in a sudden or
marked manner, unless other circum-
stances occur to contribute to it. The
hoof is united to the subjacent tissue by
an infinity of small prolongations,
which yield to pressure by the imbib-
ing OF moisture-apt to be lost by or
binary evaporation; but if the crust or
wall of the hoof has lost its thickness,
or, on the other hand, the outer cover
ing has been removed by rasping the
feet up to the hair, by which the wall is
rendered more permeable; and if, be-
sides these causes, the animal has been
standing inactive on dry litter, expert
ence and observation prove that in a
very short time the hoof will become
dry and contracted. This modification
in the form and size of the hoof deter
mines, first, pressure on lese parts,
and afterward lameness. It is, there
fore, Objectionable to place the animals
on those conditions which cause them
to lose the moisture of their hoofs. If it
Is impossible to put horses which are
devoted to the service of the rich other
wise than on dry litter, it would be
easy to wash their feet once day, at
least with clean water.
lnludicious rasping is practiced toe
frequently by the blacksmith, and it is
the custom to replace the outer cover
ing so injudiciously removed with an
ointment, so as to prevent and oppose
the evaporation of moisture. Grease
is generally employed as an impermeable
substance, but it is bad agent; besides,
it does not soften the dry crust, and by
penetrating into the nail holes, compro-
misses the security of the shoes, and
when rancid it acts as an irritant to the
coronary ligament. Alkaline substances,
such as soda, potash and ammonia, DOS
sess the property of softening the Eoof,
and of dlsuniting its elements. The
knowledge of this fact shows at once
the mistake of allowing horses to stand
in wet or dung impregnated with the
ammonia of the urine, or in the barn
yard covered with a thick layer of
manure. The moisture thus imbibed
is loaded with ammonia, or the elements
which constitute it, and which by their
alkaline properties soften the horn, dis
solve that also of the sole and frog, and
cause liberation. The new horn is dis
solved almost as soon as formed, and the
irritating fluid. acting on the denuded
parts, causes ultimately sort of fungus
growth. 1t is evident from these facts
that COW or horse dung ought not to be
used for stopping the feet, or for poul.
ticing. In preference, when there is an
indication for restoring the lost moisture
OF the horn of the feet, use clay, inseed
poultice or clean water
In conclusion, to preserve the horses
feet in as healthy state as possible, it
is necessary-1st, to have good shoeing !;
I'd, to avoid the pairing or rasping of
the feet in the too common ruinous
fashion; Sd, to keep the feet and legs
clean; 4th, to abstain from trimming
the hairs off the legs in winter; 9th, to
wash the feet every day with clean wa
ter; 9th, to allow the horse moderate
work or exercise; and 18th, when the
outer delicate and glossy covering is &C.
cidentally destroyed, to replace it by
some impermeable agent. - Prairie
Farmer