ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE KERATOGENOUS MEMBRANE. 1049 



ficialis only proves dangerous in the region of the bars, whence it 

 may extend to the plantar cushion, and in general yields readily to 

 treatment, parenchymatous inflammation often leads to severe 

 complications. Any disease affecting the posterior portions of the 

 foot is apt to prove serious, because of the readiness with which 

 diffuse cellulitis occurs in this region, and of the frequency with 

 which it is succeeded by quittor formation, disease of the plantar 

 cushion, navicular sheath, or flexor pedis perforans tendon. Other 

 things being equal, injuries to the hind are more serious than those 

 to the front feet, because the hind limbs sustain more weight and 

 can less easily be rested, and also because they perform a more 

 important function than do the front — i.e., they not only support, 

 but also propel the body. Injuries of the feet are also less 

 important in heavy than in light horses, because the former can 

 often be made serviceable at a walking pace, though unable to trot 

 sound. 



As in many instances it is impossible to discover the extent or 

 character of the process, the prognosis must be based on indirect 

 indications. The principal of these are the degree and duration of 

 the pain. As a rule, the more stubborn and severe the lameness 

 the graver the prognosis, especially when no direct cause is apparent, 

 as, for example, when there is no protrusion of soft tissues. Necrosis 

 and purulent cellulitis of the plantar cushion, or subcoronary connective 

 tissue are exceedingly dangerous. The condition is also very grave 

 when laminitis results from continuous standing on the opposite 

 foot. Increase in pain, especially when of a lancinating character, 

 inability to stand on the affected foot, and a rising temperature 

 indicate grave complications, like suppuration, and necrosis. 



Treatment. Although treatment follows general principles, yet 

 in acute inflammation of the sensitive structures of the foot, certain 

 special precautions must be borne in mind. The advice to as far as 

 possible remove the cause is eminently applicable here. Aseptic 

 pododermatitis seldom calls for more than rest and cold applications 

 in the form of poultices or continued irrigation. These soften the 

 horn and permit it to yield under the pressure of the soft structures, 

 while they directly diminish congestion. As a precaution, however, 

 after applying moisture for long periods, the hoof should be greased, 

 to prevent it completely drying again. When lameness disappears, 

 special attention must be given to shoeing. 



Superficial inflammation, accompanied by suppuration, is best 

 treated by thinning the horn, and allowing the pus to find early 

 exit. An opening of a quarter to half an inch in circumference is 



