138 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



cipally confined to the villous tissue of the sensitive sole ; but the 

 point of greatest sensation, is naturally, in the region of the toe, 

 where the sole and laminal tissues blend into each other; which 

 increases the vessels of that part, hence the sensitive laminae 

 may also become congested or inflamed. The treatment for these 

 acute cases is the same as for the more passive cases above pre- 

 scribed, and usually the symptoms will pass away or recovery 

 be accomplished within a comparatively short space of time. 



Imperfect recoveries, however, naturally impair the secre- 

 tive powers of the sensitive sole, and thus renders it liable to 

 after efiects, which may be obviated if properly managed. 



Chronic or Violent Stage. — True laminitis is the sequel 

 of the progressive development or culmination of the acute 

 stage, when the inflammation becomes general throughout the 

 laminae and the tendency to injurious changes of the structures 

 become more marked. When this stage of the disease is reached, 

 the symptoms are greatly increased and the distress of the animal 

 correspondingly intensified. The inability to support weight 

 often causes it to lie down, and constitutional disturbance by loss 

 of appetite and feverish restlessness are attendant character- 

 istics of this phase of the disease. 



The vital connection which these laminae sustain to the en- 

 tire animal economy and their situation between the horny hoof 

 and the bony structures of the foot, necessarily renders any com- 

 pression or inflammation of them one of peculiar injury and 

 suffering to the horse. When thus affected they are no longer 

 able to perform the function of weight bearers, their power of 

 withstanding the work imposed on them is lessened, and the 

 pressure upon them gradually weakens and destroys their at- 

 tachment to the hoof, letting the bones descend upon the sole, 

 resulting in that condition of helplessness and disability known 

 as " founder." This indicates that when laminitis becomes 

 firmly established or deep rooted, various complications are 



