430 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 



should never be enforced until the inflammation has subsided; for 

 although it temporarily relieves the j)ain and soreness, it maintains 

 the irritation, increases the exudation, and postpones recovery. 



If at the end of the fifth or sixth day prominent symptoms of 

 recovery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of cantharides around 

 the coronet and omit the niter for about forty -eight hours. ^Vlien the 

 blister is well set, the feet may again receive wet swabs. If one blister 

 does not remove the soreness it may be repeated, or the actual cautery 

 applied. The same treatment should be adopted where sidebones 

 form or inflammation of the coronet bone follows. "Wlien the sole 

 breaks through, exposing the soft tissues, the feet must be carefully 

 shod with thin heels and thick toes where there is a tendency to walk 

 on the heels, and the sole must be w^ell protected with appropriate 

 dressings and pressure over the exposed parts. ^Vhen there is turn- 

 ing up of the toe, blistering of the coronet, in front only^ sometimes 

 stimulates the growth of horn, but as a rule judicious shoeing is the 

 only treatment that will enable the animal to do light, slow work. 



"Where suppuration of the laminae is profuse, it is better to destroy 

 your patient at once and relieve his suffering ; but if the suppuration 

 is limited to a small extent of tissue, especially of the sole, treatment, 

 as in acute cases, may induce recovery and should always be tried. If 

 from bed sores or other causes septicemia or pyemia is feared, the 

 bisulphite of soda, in half -ounce doses, may be given in conjunction 

 with tonics and such other treatment as is indicated in these diseases. 



As to enforced recumbency I doubt the propriety of insisting on it 

 in the majority of cases, for I think the patient usually assumes what- 

 ever position gives most comfort. No doubt recumbency diminishes 

 the amount of blood sent to the feet, and may greatly relieve the pain, 

 so that forcing the patient to lie down may be tried, yet should not be 

 renewed if he thereafter persists in standing. 



Where the animal persistently stands, or where constant lying indi- 

 cates it (to prevent extensive sores), the j^atient should be placed in 

 slings. When all four feet are affected it may be impossible to use 

 slings, for the reason that the patient refuses to support any of his 

 weight and simply hangs in them. Lastly, convalescent cases must 

 not be returned to work too early, else permanent recovery may never 

 be effected. 



