LAMINITIS OR FOUNDER. 185 



is followed by an exudate which may be either slight or consider- 

 able in amount and more or less persistent. In persistent cases, 

 with considerable exudate, the toe of the os pedis (third phalynx) 

 is gradually pressed downward against the sole. The sole may 



gradually become convex and the horse becomes permanently un- 

 sound. 



Termination. — Laminitis may terminate in recovery and prac- 

 tical restoration of the affected parts, or there may remain a con- 

 vex sole and a chronic soreness with a tendency for the hoof to 

 grow in an unnatural shape, see figure 68. The wall becomes 

 wrinkled transversely, and grows unevenly. 



FIG. 68. A FOUNDERED HOOF. 

 (B. A. I.) 

 An old case. 



Treatment. — These are usually serious cases and should al- 

 v/ays have the benefit of professional attendance and skill if such 

 is obtainable. Any treatment that could be suggested might be 

 unwise in some cases, and unwisely applied in others. 



A treatment that is frequently satisfactory, consists in keeping 

 the feet in cold water for a long period of time, several days if 

 necessary. Sometimes this may be done by standing the horse 

 in a shallow stream, preferably with a soft bottom. When a horse 

 must be kept in the stable he should have a large box stall with 

 deep, soft bedding. If he is compelled to stanci for any great 

 length of time in order to keep the feet in cold water, then he 

 should be supported by a sling. Severe cathartics should be 

 avoide?! — but it may be desirable to give mild doses of aloes, or 

 Epsom salts. A dose of the former for this purpose would be 

 one-half ounce or less ; the dose of the latter would be about one- 

 fourth pound, either repeated as necessary. Coupled vrith this 



Vet. studies— 12. 



