DISEASES AFFECTING FEET 



It may be that it is first of all seen directly the horse comes out 

 of the stable. He seems afraid to put any weight upon the fore 

 Hmbs, throwing them as far forward as possible, while the hind 

 feet are brought forward under the belly ; though this is not 

 so evident if the whole of the feet are affected. By backing 

 the animal, it will be seen at once that he tries to throw all the 

 weight on the heels, raising the toes. The feet will be found 

 hotter than natural, causing the animal pain if Hghtly tapped 

 with the hammer. It is difficult to get the horse to move, but 

 doing so brings the nature of the malady prominently out. 



There is a considerable degree of fever, and the pulse is 

 quick, full and strong. Urination is in abeyance because the 

 animal seems afraid to put himself in position for the act. 

 When the hind feet only are aft'ected, the horse will stand with 

 all four limbs bunched under the body. If the disease 

 is complicated with coUc, influenza, inflammation of 

 the lungs, etc., then there will be the additional symptoms of 

 these. Laminitis might be mistaken for rheumatism, or a 

 bruised sole. Manipulation or swelHng of the joints will detect 

 the former, while the latter would be seen (see Corn and 

 Rheumatism). SweUing of the eyehds is occasionally present. 



Treatment. — Have the shoes taken off at once. If the 

 animal is fat and vigorous, take away about four quarts 

 of blood from the neck vein (jugular). In mild attacks, 

 or animals in hard working condition, we do not think that 

 bleeding is needed ; in fact, many object to it under any cir- 

 cumstances. Given the conditions first named, we beUeve it is 

 absolutely essential to do so (see Lungs, Apoplexy of). Having 

 done this, give the animal (unless influenza or cohc prohibit it) 

 a pint of Unseed oil along with three drachms of tincture of 



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