THE MODERN IIORSE DOCTOR. 341 



" Pumice Sole can have but one Origin. — Its existence is de- 

 monstrative proof either of the presence or of the preexistence 

 of laminitis, in the acute or sub-acute form. Those dovetailed 

 and intimate bonds of union between the sensitive and horny 

 lamina? which hardly any amount of mechanical force can, in situ, 

 rend asunder, gradually lose their hold under the action of in- 

 flammation, and let the coffin bone down upon the horny sole. 

 This, as we have seen, may result either from acute or sub-acute 

 laminitis, but with these notable differences, — that, whereas, 

 under acute inflammation, pumice foot is rapid, sometimes sudden, 

 always decided in its occurrence ; under sub-acute inflammation 

 its approach is tardy and stealthy, and for some time doubtful and 

 indeterminable. Indeed, in the latter it often happens that the 

 sinking of the sole is the first intimation we obtain of the presence 

 of the disease. The horse may have been observed to step short 

 or gingerly, compared to his usual style of going, and this is 

 succeeded by tenderness of tread to that degree that continuance 

 at work becomes impossible ; under which circumstance we are 

 called to examine his feet, and to the surprise, probably, of the 

 owner, find the soles either actually sunk or showing unmistaka- 

 ble signs of sinking. Pumice sole resulting from acute laminitis 

 is, as we have seen, though at all times a lamentable affair, a 

 more complicated and serious one still, from its so frequently 

 having suppuration of the foot as an accompaniment ; and when 

 this proves to be the case, all prospect of remedy may be said to 

 be at an end. It is not so, however, in the case wherein pumice 

 foot follows a sub-acute or low kind of inflammation. Here there 

 is not the tendency to suppuration, but rather to adhesive action ; 

 and this it is that on occasions invites us to take the case under 

 treatment, and now and then we succeed in restoring the integrity 

 of the breach and soundness of the sole. But this, I am reluc- 

 tantly forced to add, is but a rare issue, compared with the states 

 of pumice sole which defy our art at effecting such restoration of 

 them as will render the feet again useful for work. 



" The Treatment of Pumice Sole — when the case happens to 

 be of such a nature as to inspire us with hope through judicious 

 and careful management of it — obviously presents to us two ob- 

 jects for consideration ; the first being the healing of the wound, 

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