466 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, 



simple and efficient. It consists solely in the administration of large 

 doses of nitrate of potash and the continued application to the feet 

 and ankles of cold water. 



Three to four ounces of saltpeter in a pint of water, repeated everj- 

 six houi s, is a proper dose. The laminitis frequently subsides within 

 a week. These large doses may be continued for a week without 

 danger. Under no circumstances have I seen the kidneys irritated 

 to excess or other unfavorable effects produced. 



The feet should be kept in a tub of water at a temperature of 

 45° to 50° F., unless the animal is lying down, when swabs are to 

 be used and wet every half hour with the cold water. The water 

 keeps the horn soft and moist and acts directly upon the inflamed 

 tissues by reducing the temperature. Cold maintains the vitality" and 

 disease-resisting qualities of the soft tissues, tones up the coats of 

 the biood vessels, diminishes the supply of blood, tmd limits the 

 exudation. Furthermore, it has an anesthetic effect upon the dis- 

 eased tissues and relieves the pain. 



Aconite may be given in conjunction with the niter when the heart 

 is greatly excited and beats strongly. Ten-drop doses, repeated 

 every 2 hours for 24 hours, are sufficient. The use of cathartics is 

 dangerous, for they may excite superpurgation. Usually the niter 

 will relieve the constipation; yet if it should prove obstinate, laxa- 

 tives may be carefully given. Bleeding, both general and local, 

 should be guarded against. The shoes must be early removed and 

 the soles left unpared. 



Paring of the soles presents two objections: First, while it may 

 temporarily relieve the pain by relieving pressure, it favors gi-eater 

 exudation, which may more than counterbalance the good effects. 

 Secondly, it makes the feet tender and subject to bruises when the 

 animal again goes to Avork, The shoes should be replaced when con- 

 valescence sets in and the animal is ready to take exercise. Exercise 

 should never be enforced until the inflammation has subsided; for 

 although it temporarily relieves the pain and soreness it maintains 

 the irritation, increases the exudation, and postpones recovery. 



If at the end of the fifth or sixth day prominent symptoms of 

 recovery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of cantharides ai'ound 

 the coronet and omit the niter for about 48 hours. When the blister 

 is well set, the feet may again receive wet swabs. If one blister 

 does not remove the soreness it may be repeated, or the actual cautery 

 applied. The same treatment should be adopted where sidebones 

 form or inflammation of the coronet bone follows. A^Hien the sole 

 breaks throagli, exposing the soft tissues, the feet must be carefully 

 shod with thin heels and thick toes if there is a tendency to walk 

 on the heels, and the sole must be well protected with appropriate 

 dressings and pressure over the exposed parts. AVlien there is turn- 



