LAMKiNESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 137 



Primary or Passive Stage. — The early stages of this dis- 

 order may consist only of a simple congestion of the sole tissues, 

 but as it develops rapidly, if suffered to run its course, the mor- 

 bid process will involve other regions in its destructive changes, 

 and severe lameness — extremely difficult of cure — or entire 

 physical disability will result. The most prompt and efficacious 

 treatment should therefore be resorted to at the first symptoms 

 of an oncoming attack, as the conditions are then favorable for 

 speedy relief, and the disease may be checked or cured in one 

 or two days' time. 



When the evidences of soreness or weakness appear, or the 

 horse stumbles and shifts his gait by declining to use his feet in 

 the natural way, have the farrier remove his shoes and pare the 

 sole of the foot thin, that the resistance of the horn may not 

 obstruct the after measures, then lightly replace the shoes b^ 

 tacking them on with two nails on each side. Cover the body, 

 neck and legs warmly with several blankets (strapping them on 

 closely all around) and place the feet in tubs of warm water — 

 heated to a good temperature — which should be kept so by re- 

 placing the water as it cools with a warm supply, as in this 

 way the return flow of blood will be increased. Warm drinks 

 are also recommended to stimulate internal circulation, the con- 

 gestion will be overcome or re-absorbed, and by continuing this 

 treatment for twenty-four hours, the symptoms will subside and 

 the normal functions be practically restored without disorgani- 

 zation. 



Acute stage Villitis. — When this form of congestion 

 spreads or progresses into a more acute stage it is attended with 

 more evidences of soreness and lameness, evidenced by greater 

 unwillingness of the animal's movements as well as by the vari- 

 ous positions which it carefully assumes in attempting to allevi- 

 ate the distress of weight on the inflamed member. This sec- 

 ondary or extended stage is known as villitis, because it is prin- 



