TREATMENT OF LAMINITIS. 



1085 



Foot-baths are only of use in mild cases, and it should not be forgotten 

 that continued standing favours displacement of the os pedis, and, 

 therefore, that it is preferable to allow the animals to lie, and to 

 apply cold applications to the feet. Plenty of short straw bedding 

 should be given, the animals being made as comfortable as possible. 

 It is also advantageous to remove the shoes and place the horse on 

 a soft bed, so as to oppose descent of the os pedis by distributing 

 pressure over the sole. If, in acute attacks, the horse cannot be 

 persuaded to lie down it should be cast. 



To permit of expansion of the hypersemic tissues and to diminish 

 tension, Smith recommends dividing the horn wall at one or more 

 points in its circumference by means of the knife or saw. This 

 treatment is of doubtful value. 



In " dietetic " laminitis a dose of physic may be given, both to 



Fig. 578. — Hoof after laminitis. 



Fig. 579.— The same shod. The dotted 

 lines indicate the previous form. 



diminish local inflammation and remove, as quickly as possible, 

 any injurious material from the bowels, thus preventing its absorption. 

 Others recommend the intravenous injection of barium chloride 

 solution. In the rheumatic form the parts should be rubbed with 

 spirituous solutions, and the body warmly clothed. 



Friis recommended pilocarpine in doses of 5 to 7 grains. Ex- 

 periments with this drug have given varying results ; some cases 

 showed improvement, others were unaffected. It may be tried, 

 however, especially where the attack is obstinate, and the os pedis 

 shows no sign of displacement ; but after displacement, of course, 

 neither this nor any other drug can effect a cure. Dollar has had 

 excellent results from hypodermic injections of bromide of arecoline. 

 Adrenalin solution injected subcutaneously at the fetlock or pastern 

 has been recommended. To diminish severe pain, subcutaneous 

 injections of morphine or cocaine are useful. 



Regulation of diet is especially necessary, and when the attack 

 lias followed excessive feeding, the animals are put on short rations. 



