Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1894-12-21
Foot Puncture In Horses.

Foot Puncture IN hOreebs
One of the most common causes OF
lameness is puncture of the sole OF the
foot. 1t is caused by the animal step
ping on nail or other sharp object.
The puncture is most likely to occur in
the neighborhood of the frog, or where
the sole and wall OF the foot join, but
It may occur in any part OF the sole.
When the nail comes in contact with
the horn of the sole it is likely to glance
until it meets the projection OF the
wall or the softer rough frog; hence
the greater frequency of puncture in
these localities.
SYMPTOMS.
Since the nail usually pulls out, and
the horn springs back to its former
| position so as to close the opening the
nail made, there is sometimes difficulty
In locating exactly the seat OF the
wound. As q result Of this many an
animal has been made to stand on
lame foot by a stihe shoe having been
put on the well foot. Locating this
sort of lameness in the stine
Joint Is common but mex
Z caasable error, as the action re-
suitine from lameness in the two parts
is entirely different. The so called
"gravel" which Is said to enter the sole
Of the foot and then "work out" at the
heel Is usually the working out" OF
the pus or the matter resulting from a
nail puncture or bruise. II an animal
becomes suddenly and severely lame
and there be no evidence OF anything
In any other part Of the leg, such as
swelling, heat and pain upon pressure,
It is always we'll 70 look for puncture
in the foot. If the animal stands with
the lame foot extended and when walk
ing places the lame foot well forward
and brings the well foot up to it, the
evidence Of puncture Is still stronger.
To examine the foot properly the shoe
should be removed. It is not sufficient
to merely scrspe the bottom OF the foot
clean, for If the nail has pulled out and
the horn sprung back in position, all
trace of Its entrance may have been
obliterated. To examine the foot
properly . pair Of large pincers or a
hammer is necessary. The former is
the better, IS by comrressing the hoof
10 exact spot may be found, while
begping the sole with hammer may
co,se the animal to evince pain, even
ugh the tapping Is not directly over
dorlinjury; but with little care the
;r,,t may be definitely located with
er instrument. If the injury is OF
ltw days standing additional heat in
had hoof and perhaps slight swelling
he pastern may also be present.
lIlo1t TREATMENT.
refor,en the point Of the puncture has
r,h ascertained the horn should be
WIN d out so as to leave an opening for
"DoAscape Of ali matter. This opening
that not be larger than IN ordinary
cad pencil The practice Of burning
hole with hot iron or by the
wh;chf caustics is very Objectionable
seless. A solution OF carbolic
IONS oLne part of acid to twenty-five OF
IS no may be used to wash the wound.
;, animal be kept in . clean place,
ind the wound washed once a day
with the same solution, rapid recov-
cry is usually the result In cases
where the lamenoss Is severe, poul-
tice of wheat bran or linseed meal may
be applied for day or two, but should
not be kept up for longer period.
PROUD YLEsH.
In those cases where the lsmeness
subsidies, but luxuriant granulations OF
''proud flesh" spring up and fill the
opening In the horn, they may be cut
- IN by q hot iron to point level
tn the inner or deeper surface OF the
oc,rny sole. Then the cavity should be
10 led with balsAm Of fir, pad OF cot
n placed over 1t, and over all piece
epr good firm leather, which may be held
place by a shoe. The main point in
he treatment Of nail puncture OF the
DOT is to give free exit to all matter
at may collect, and keep the part as
re can as possible. II this be done, the
l..Il.atter will not be compelled to work
outat the heels, and no separation or
loss of hoof will occur.