DISEASES OF THE FETLiHlv, ANKl.K. AND FOOT. 455 



rnusual changes in the inunner of applying the shoes should not be 

 hastily made. If a plane shoe has been worn, high' heels or toes must 

 not Ih' substituted at once; but the chauije, if necessary, should 

 gradually be made, so that the ditlerent tissues may adapt themselves 

 to the altered conditions. If radical changes are imperative, as is 

 sometimes the case, the woi-k must be so reduced in (piantitv and 

 quality that it can not excite the dise<ise. 



Laminitis from the effects of purgatives can scarcely be guarded 

 ■against. I can not determine from the cases in which I have .seen this 

 result that there are any conditions present that would warn us of 

 danger. The trouble does not seem to depend upon the size of the 

 purgative, the length of time ])efore ]iurgiition begins, or the activity 

 anil severity with which the remedy acts. Medicines known to have 

 unusually irritating effects on the alimentary canal shoidd be used 

 only when necessity ilcniands it, antl then in moderate doses. 



Experience ah)ne will determine what animals are liable to suffer 

 from this diesase through the use of feeds. \Mien an attack can be 

 ascribed to any particular feed it should be withheld, unless in sniall 

 quantities. Horses that have never been fed upon Indian corn should 

 receive but a little of it at a time, mixed with bran, oats, or other 

 feed, until it has been determined that no danger exists. Corn is less 

 safe in warm than in cold weathei", and for this reason it should 

 always be fed with caution during spring and summer months. 



When an animal is excessively hune in one foot tiie .shoe of tlie 

 opposite member should bo removed, and cold water frequently ap- 

 plied to the well foot. At the same time, if the subject remains 

 standing, the slings .should be used. Ilor.ses shoidd under no circum- 

 stances be overworked; to guard again.sl this, previous work, nature 

 of roads, state of weather, and various other influences must be care- 

 fully con.sidered. Watering while warm is a pernicious habit, and, 

 unless the animal is accustomed to it, is liable to result in some dis- 

 order, ofttimes in laminitis. 



(urativf nwa.sun.s. — In casi's of simi)le congestion of IJie lauiinai 

 the l)ody .should be warndy clothed and warm drinks admini.stered. 

 The feet sliould be placed in a warm bath to increa.se the return How 

 of blood. In course of an hour the feet may be changed to cold 

 water and kept there until recovery, is completed. If the con.stitu- 

 tional symptoms denuind it, diuretics should be given. Half-ounce 

 do.se^ of saltpeter three times a day in tlu? water answer the puri)o.se. 

 In cases of active congestion the warm footbaths should l>e omitted 

 and cold ones used from the commencement. Subacute laminitis 

 demands the .same treatment, with laxatives if there is con.stipation, 

 and the addition of low-heeled shoes. The diuretics may need to be 

 continued for some time and their frequency increa.sed. Uegaidiug 

 acute laminitis, what has been called the "American trciitment " is 



