306 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



similar in structure to the common integument, and being 

 in direct communication with the latter ; the mucous mem- 

 brane of the digestive system meeting the comm.on integu- 

 ment at the lips and anus, and that of the generative 

 system at the vulva in the female, and the meatus 

 urinarius in the male ; and so intimately are they blended at 

 their point of meeting that it is impossible to tell where the 

 one begins and the other ends. Hence, the communication 

 "being direct, it is at once seen how any irritation of the 

 mucous membrane lining the stomach or generative organs 

 -can extend to the common integument, and through it to 

 the foot or feet, as the case may be, and cause the inflam- 

 mation commonly known as laminitis. As proof of this 

 theory being the true one, may be mentioned the fact that, 

 during an attack of laminitis, any sores, cuts, etc., that may 

 be upon the body, are very slow to heal, even if they show 

 the slightest disposition to do so, showing that the skin is 

 in a highly irritable condition. Congestion occurs before 

 active inflammation is set up, and if the case be received 

 at this stage, and is treated in a manner sufficiently ener- 

 getic, etc., inflammation or laminitis may be prevented. 



Sijmjjtoms. — In the acute form of laminitis the symptoms 

 are plain, and the disease readily recognised. The disease 

 is usually ushered in by well-marked rigours, which quickly 

 give place to pyrexia, which is also well marked. On taking 

 the pulse, it is found to be somewhat increased in rapidity, 

 and is slightly fuller than usual. In a large majority of 

 cases the first symptoms to attract notice are stifl'ness and 

 stumbling during progression, and the pulse slightly quick- 

 ened. As a rule the patient persistently retains the standing 

 posture, and a characteristic of the pulse is its full and 

 bounding character, which it retains for several days to- 

 gether, and varying from fifty to eighty beats per minute. 

 The fever steadily increases, and finally becomes very great ; 



