"Other operators sometimes give the exudate
escape while making the grooves in what is now known as '
Smith's Operation.'
In this operation the hoof is so grooved as to allow of its
expansion, so relieving the pressure on the sensitive structures
within it. Incidentally, the inflammatory exudate is given exit.
The animal is cast, the shoes removed, and three vertical
grooves made in the wall. The first is cut down the centre of
toe, extending from the coronet to the ground surface. The
second is made to the right of this, and the third to the left,
each following the direction of the horn fibres, and each
distant about 2 inches from the first (see 1, 2, and 3, Fig.
120).
Each of the grooves must run completely from the coronary margin
to the ground surface, and each should be carried through the
substance of the horn until the horny laminae are reached. This
done, the underneath surface of the foot is grooved at the white
line (see curved groove 4,
Fig. 121) in such a manner as to entirely isolate the two pieces
of horn a and b from the remainder of the hoof.
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Expansion of the horny box is thus brought
about, while at the same time the semicircular groove at the toe
is made deep enough to allow of the escape of the exudate.
If thought wise by the operator, the two pieces of horn a and b
may be isolated, and the exudate given exit by making the fourth
groove in the position of the dotted lines in Fig. 120—that is
to say, at the lowermost portion of the sensitive structures. By
this means the sole will be left intact.
Fuller instruction for making the grooves
and the instruments required will be found described in Section
C of Chapter X.
The animal should be afterwards shod, and the bearing on the
portions a and b of the wall removed. Almost immediate relief is
afforded the patient."
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Fig
120
Fig
121