DISEASES OF THE TOOT. 511 



1031. Results. 



In favorable cases, that is, where the inflammation is not very severe, 

 and its effused products are taken up by the absorbents and blood-vessels, 

 there will be no structural alteration, and in due course the horse will be 

 sound again, though always more or less liable to recurrence of the 

 disease. 



But in unfavorable cases there will be an alteration of structure, and 

 the result will be Chronic Laminitis. 



1032. Chronic Laminitis. 



The alteration of structure caused by the inflammation (Plate 5G) 

 usually consists of a separation between the sensitive and insensitive 

 laminae. In consequence of this loosening of attachment, the anterior 

 point of the coffin bone descends and presses on the sole. The sole being 

 pressed upon also descends and loses its concave shape, and becomes 

 convex and weak. The anterior portion of the crust having in some 

 measure lost its attachment, becomes weak and bulges out anteriorly. 

 There is a large mass of imperfectly formed horn at the toe. 



When these alterations of structure have taken place, the horse must 

 be considered radically unsound ; but with good care and good shoeing 

 may be useful for years. 



The shoe must be adapted to the altered form of the foot. A very 

 wide web, seated out, so as not to press on the sole, will be needed. As 

 recommended above, the heels of the shoe must be very thin, so as to 

 throw up the toe by letting down the heels, and thereby relieve the 

 anterior part of the foot from pressure. Leather under the shoe, but not 

 over the. sole, is useful both in diminishing concussion, and in raising the 

 sole off the ground. Leather over the sole will cause increased pressure. 

 Great care must be taken in the nailing. 



1033. Blistering round the Coronet. 



A few words may be necessary in regard to blistering round the 

 coronet, which has been repeatedly referred to above. 



The object is of course to excite an increased growth of horn by stimu- 

 lating the action of the coronary substance or protuberant band of 

 thickened vascular skin, which extends for about a finger's breadth above 

 the hoof, and from which the crust is secreted. The vesicant should be 

 applied only to this protuberant band, and may be repeated every nine 

 days, until the desired effect, viz. increased growth of horn, has been 

 produced. The horse may be worked throughout. 



It is necessary to explain this, because, simple and obvious as it seems, 

 the object of blistering this part appears often to be misunderstood, and 



