NAVICULAR DISEASE, in the horse, consists in strain of the strong flexor tendon of the foot. at the point within the hollow of the fetlock, where it passes over the navicular bone. It is most common amongst the lighter sorts of horses. and especially where they have upright pasterns. out-turned toes, and early severe work on hard roads. It soon gives rise to a short tripping yet cautious gait, undue wear of the toe of the shoe, wast ing of the muscles of the shoulder, and projecting or "pointing" of the affected limb whilst standing. When early noticed, and in horses with well-formed legs, it is often curable; but when of several weeks standing, it leads to so much inflammation and destruc tion of the tendon and adjoining parts, triat soundness and fitness for fast work are again impossible. Rest should at once be given, the shoe removed, the toe shortened, and the foot placed in a large, soft, hot poultice. changed every few hours. Laxative medicine
and bran mashes should be ordered, and a soft bed made with old short litter. After a few days, and when the heat and tenderness abate, cold applications should supersede the hot; and, after another week, a blister may be applied round the coronet, and the animal placed for two months in a good yard or in a grass field, if the ground be soft and moist; or, if sufficiently strong, at slow farm-work on soft land. Division of the nerve going to the foot removes sensation, and consequently lameness; and hence is use ful in relieving animals intended for breeding purposes or for slow work. The operation, however, is not to be recommended where fast work is required; for the animal, insen sible to pain, uses the limb as if nothing were amiss, and the disease rapidly becomes worse. 5._ /ft! —7 _