CHAPTER XVI. 

 DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



45 1 . Acute laminitis (founder). An acute inflammation of the 

 laminar corium and its adjoining structures. It usually affects the 

 fore feet, sometimes the hind ones in addition, but seldom the hind 

 ones alone. 



Causes. Long-continued fast work on hard roads; prolonged stand- 

 ing in the stable, on board ship, or on railroad cars; sudden chilling 

 of the body, such as may arise from standing in a draft or from drink- 

 ing large quantities of cold water, particularly when the animal is 

 heated or exhausted; overfeeding; improper foods, especially foods 

 that are musty or mouldy, and sudden changes in diet, as from old 

 to new forage. It may also occur as a complication of colfc, influenza, 

 pneumonia, and may follow the excessive use of severe purgatives. 



Symptoms. Sudden and intense lameness. When the fore feet 

 are affected they are planted far in advance of the body, and the 

 hind ones are placed well forward under the belly. The affected 

 feet are hot and painful and there is increased pulsation in the 

 digital arteries. If forced to move, the feet are raised laboriously, 

 the animal groans with pain, and sweat may break out over the 

 body. In some instances the animal may lie down on his side with 

 legs stretched out, for hours at a time; in other cases he stands con^ 

 tinuously. 



The pulse is strong and full and often increased to 80 or 90 a 

 minute; there is muscular trembling; the respirations are short and 

 rapid, and the temperature may rise to 105 or over. 



In less severe cases, the symptoms are less marked. The animal 

 moves stiffly, taking short, rapid steps with the fore feet, the hind 

 ones being thrust forward to take the greater share of the weight. 



Treatment. Give 1J pints linseed oil as a drench, and add 2 to 4 

 ounces of potassium nitrate to the drinking water three times a day 

 for one or two days. If there is great pain, give 2 to 4 drams cannabis 

 indica and repeat if necessary. Remove the shoes and stand the 

 animal in a stream or a pond for five or six hours at a time each day, 

 or apply cold packs (cracked ice, if obtainable) to the feet and legs 

 as high as the knees and keep them wet. Stop all grain and feed bran 



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