A great deal of learned nonsense has been written on this subject, which
only serves to plunge the farmer into a labyrinth from which there is no
escape. The author will not trespass on the reader's patience so much as
to transcribe different authors' opinions in relation to the nature of
the disease and its treatment, but will proceed at once to point out a
common-sense explanation of its cause, and the proper mode of treating
it.
The disease is analogous to foot rot in sheep, and is the consequence of
feeding in wet pastures, or suffering the animals to wallow in filth. A
large quantity of morbific or excrementitious matter is thrown off from
the system through the surfaces between the cleft. Now, should those
surfaces be obstructed by filth, or contracted by cold, the delicate
mouths of these excrementitious vessels, or outlets, are unable to rid
the parts of their morbid accumulations: these vessels become distended
beyond their usual capacity, communicate with each other, and, when no
longer able to contain this mass of useless material, an artificial
drain, in the form of "foot rot," is established, by which simple method
the parts recover their reciprocal equilibrium. In this case, as in
diarrhoea, we recognize a simple and sanative operation of nature's
law, which, if aided, will generally prove beneficial.
That "foul in the foot" is caused by the sudden stoppage of some natural
evacuation is evident from the following facts: First, the disease is
most prevalent in cold, low, marshy countries, where the foot is kept
constantly moist. Secondly, the disease is neither contagious nor
epidemic. (See _Journal de Med. Vet. et comparee_, 1826, p. 319.)
_Treatment._--In all cases of obstruction to the depurating apparatus,
there is a loss of equilibrium between secretion and excretion. The
first indication is, to restore the lost function. Previously, however,
to doing so, the animal must be removed to a dry situation. The cause
once removed, the cure is easy, provided we merely assist nature and
follow her teachings. As warmth and moisture are known to relax all
animal fibre, the part should be relaxed, warmed, and cleansed, first by
warm water and soap, lastly by poultice; at the same time bearing in
mind that the object is not to produce or invite suppuration, (formation
of matter,) but only to liberate the excess of morbid materials that may
already be present: as soon as this is accomplished, the poultice should
be discontinued.
_Poultice for Foul Feet._
Roots of marshmallows, bruised, half a pound.
Powdered charcoal, a handful.
" lobelia, a few ounces.
Meal, a tea-cupful.
Boiling water sufficient to soften the mass.
_Another_.
Powdered lobelia, }
Slippery elm, } equal parts.
Pond lily, bruised, }
Mix with boiling water. Put the ingredients into a bag, and secure it
above the fetlock.