The _indications_ of the various diseases of the hoof are discussed in the following chapters. We shall in this chapter undertake only a brief general discussion of _inflammation of the pododerm_. This inflammation, known as =pododermatitis=, always manifests itself by _lameness_ and, under closer examination of the foot, by _increased warmth_, _pain_, and _stronger pulsation of the digital_ and _plantar arteries_. The pain produces either a _timid, shortened_ (sore) _gait_, or well-marked _lameness_, especially upon _hard_ ground. Increased sensitiveness of the pododerm is detected by compression of the hoof with the pincers (hoof-testers), or with greater certainty by lightly tapping the hoof. The increased warmth of a part or of the entire hoof is detected by feeling with the hand. Intense pain and greatly increased warmth, with a moderate, diffuse swelling of the soft parts between the hoof and fetlock-joint, indicate suppuration within the hoof. _The examination_ of horses lame in the feet must always be cautious and searching, and should begin with the moving and judging of the horse as already described on page 90. The faults detected in the hoof or in the shoeing, the pain and increased warmth of the hoof, will not leave us in doubt as to whether the animal is lame in the hoof or not. However, should there be a doubt, we must carefully examine all the joints and tendons of the foot and, if necessary, of the limb above, and observe the animal’s manner of travelling at a walk and at a trot, on soft and on hard ground, in a straight line and in a circle. The =removal of the shoe= should be performed with =greatest caution=. Under certain conditions the second shoe should not be removed until the first has been replaced. The same caution must be observed in paring the hoof, which is to be regarded as a part of the examination of the hoof. The paring of a hoof for this purpose often differs somewhat from the preparation of a sound hoof for the shoe, and while it is necessary because it frequently furnishes the first trustworthy indication of the trouble, it must be done with circumspection and intelligence. The _causes_ of diseases of the hoof are very numerous, for many external influences act injuriously upon the hoof. In addition to too great dryness, want of care (neglected shoeing), and premature, unreasonable, cruel use of the horse, should be mentioned particularly _injudicious dressing of the hoof and direct and indirect faults in the shoeing_. The pododerm, shut in between the hard os pedis and the stiff, unyielding horn capsule, is frequently exposed to bruising and other injuries, from which arise most of the defects of the hoof itself. All these things lead, under certain conditions, to lameness. [Illustration: FIG. 185. Bar-shoe for right foot.]