676 OPERATIOXS ON THE FOOT. 



under the influence of the pains, constantly moving from one leg 

 to another, balancing himself, so to speak. There is no relief for 

 him until the suppuration has shown itself between hair and hoof, 

 when it oozes outward at the coronet. Relief, however, may also be 

 obtained by making an opening at the toe with the drawing-knife. 

 This complication often results in the entire separation and drop- 

 ping off of the hoof. Cases have been observed when this acci- 

 dent has taken place as early as the third day (Lafosse, Stanley). 

 Gillmeyer has seen a new foot grow out entirely, but this requkes 

 a long time. 



d, — Gangrene of the sub-horny tissues sometimes takes place, 

 though seldom, under the influence of the excessive pressure, 

 especially when there is sub-homy exudation. The violent pains 

 then cease suddenly ; the resting becomes more solid ; the move- 

 ments take j)lace without difficulty. But at the same time, the 

 physiognomy of the patient becomes anxious and contracted; the 

 pulse becomes small and difficult to count ; the temperature of the 

 body diminishes ; the animal has a trembling gait ; is indifferent 

 to any excitement ; he is prostrated, and soon he ends by sep- 

 ticaemia. The hoof then often drops off, and the sub-horny tis- 

 sues are seen to be of a bluish-brown color, without consistency, 

 but with a very foetid odor. 



Volpi thought that laminitis was the inflammation of the articu- 

 lation of the foot ; but this arthritis, if it exists (a fact which is 

 rare), is not a consecutive phenomenon, but a complication. The 

 inflammation does not remain limited to the recticular tissue ; it 

 extends also, and consecutively, to the contiguous structure, 

 spreads to the tendons and articular ligaments, even penetrates 

 to the synovial capsules of the articulation of the third with the 

 second phalanges, and may also react upon other parts of the 

 organism. The anchylosis of the articulation of the foot with 

 that of the coronary joint are complications somewhat frequent, 

 as well as that of the ossification of the cartilages of the foot. 



e. — Metastasis has been often observed, and when accom- 

 panied by intense fever have been noticed as complicated with 

 serious diseases of the chest, especially of pleuro-pneumonia. At 

 other times, it has been the intestines to which the metastasis has 

 transferred the disease, in which case there is, in most instances, 

 constipation of the bowels. Enteritis, however, is seldom ob- 

 served, notwithstanding what has l^een said on the subject. This 



