Page 40 - Chiron Autumn/Winter 2023

The Hickman Block
by Lt Col (Retd) PC Koder RAVC(V) Liveryman WCF
In the horse as with human medicine Imaging of the internal structures of the horse has
become ever more refined to enable the identification of underlying hard and soft tissue changes which may be of significance. The use of the horse remains all about mobility so primary attention starts with the foot and the associated tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the limbs. Deep in the hoof a small boat-shaped bone, the navicular, lies transversely as part of the shock absorbing mechanism and facilitating the pulley system of the deep flexor tendon. In some horses over the passage of time the navicular bone may degrade, resulting in pain and lameness. These changes are often difficult to discern in the early stages both by physical examination and radiology. However satisfactory visualisation of the bone through the wall of the hoof by X-Rays depends on the positioning of the hoof for good pictures. The practical answer devised by Lt Col John Hickman
was a block of wood with a groove along it to hold the hoof in a tilted position.
John Hickman had qualified in 1935 and was surgical assistant to Sir Frederick Hobday, Principal and Dean of the Royal Veterinary College. This period will have laid the foundation of his surgical
skills, and in particular his love
of equine orthopaedics. He was commissioned into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 1936 and sailed for India in 1937. After rising from responsibilities as Veterinary
Officer (VO) at Secunderabad and subsequent other attachments he became Executive VO at No.2 Indian Veterinary Hospital Lucknow.
After the partition of India and
the end of British Rule in 1947 he was discharged and returned to pursue his love of orthopaedics through academia. In particular
a visit to the surgical unit of the Mayo Foundation, USA led him to seek to place equine medicine and surgery on a more scientific basis, especially the foot where a greater understanding of its mechanisms was needed. His endeavours towards horse welfare were recognised
when he was elected an Honorary Member of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) after he had been closely involved in the drafting of the Farriers Registration Act in 1975. He had a distinguished career at
the Cambridge Veterinary School as Emeritus Reader in Animal Surgery and published several books. He co-founded the British Equine Veterinary Association in 1960 and
is commemorated by them with his portrait.
Veterinary Orthopaedics, first
RW Equine Vet Ltd, Northiam
published by Oliver and Boyd in 1964 was ground-breaking and typical of his accessible style. Subsequently
in 1973 he co-authored with Robert Walker An atlas of Veterinary Surgery with the same publishers, full of clear diagrams and readable texts. A few years later in 1977 in the same lucid style came Farriery, a complete illustrated guide published by Allen which remains an essential reference for good practice. Finally, continuing his wider interest in the welfare of the horse he edited Horse Management Academic Press 1987. He co-authored the chapter on the foot and shoeing. Responsibility for the standards of shoeing is, actively upheld by the WCF one of the oldest City Livery Companies. Farriers, veterinary surgeons, or others with
a special interest should see the company’s website: www.wcf.org.uk
38 / Chiron Calling
By kind permission of BEVA