LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 429 



Curative measures. — In cases of simple congestion of the laminae the 

 body should be warmly clothed and warm drinks administered. The 

 feet should be placed in a warm bath to increase the return flow of 

 blood. In course of an hour the feet may be changed to cold water 

 and kept there until recovery is completed. If the constitutional 

 symptoms demand it, diuretics should be given. Half-ounce doses 

 of saltpeter, three times a day in the water, answer the purpose. In 

 cases of active congestion the warm footbaths should be omitted and 

 cold ones used from the commencement. Subacute laminitis demands 

 the same treatment, with laxatives if there is constipation, and the ad- 

 dition of low-heeled shoes. The diuretics may need to be continued 

 for some time and their frequency increased. Regarding acute lami- 

 nitis, what has been called the " American treatment " is simple and 

 efficient. It consists solely in the exhibition of large doses of nitrate 

 of potash and the continued application to the feet and ankles of cold 

 water. 



Three to 4 ounces of saltpeter in a pint of water, repeated every 

 six hours, is the proper dose. The laminitis frequently subsides 

 within a week. These large doses may be continued for a week with- 

 out danger ; under no circumstances have I seen the kidneys irritated 

 to excess or other unfavorable efi'ects produced. 



The feet should be kept in a tub of water at a temperature of 45° 

 to 50° F., unless the animal is lying down, when swabs are to be used 

 and wet every half hour Avith the cold water. The water keeps the 

 horn soft and moist and acts directly upon the inflamed tissues by re- 

 ducing the temperature. Cold maintains the vitality and disease- 

 resisting qualities of the soft tissues, tones up the coats of the blood 

 vessels, diminishes the supply of blood, and limits the exudation. 

 Furthermore, cold has an anesthetic effect upon the diseased tissues 

 and relieves the pain. 



Aconite may be given in conjunction with the niter where the heart 

 is greatly excited and beats strongly. Ten-drop doses, repeated 

 every two hours for twenty-four hours, are sufficient. The use of 

 cathartics is dangerous, for they may excite superpurgation. Usually 

 the niter will relieve the constipation, yet if it should prove obstinate, 

 laxatives may be carefully given. Bleeding, both general and local, 

 should be guarded against. The shoes must be early removed and 

 the soles left unpared. 



Paring of the soles presents two objections: First, while it may 

 temporarily relieve the pain by relieving pressure, it favors greater 

 exudation, which may more than counterbalance the good effects. 

 Secondly, it makes the feet tender and subject to bruises when the 

 animal again goes to work. The shoes should be replaced when con- 

 valescence sets in and the animal is ready to take exercise. Exercise 



