.352 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



permanent grade of vital action ; which is apt to end in change 

 of structure. The acute form is invariably attended with sympto- 

 matic phenomena, so that the patient exhibits all the symptoms 

 of a high fever, attended with intense agony and disturbance of 

 the normal functions. On the other hand subacute laminitis is 

 not so intense nor dangerous, and it differs somewhat in its mode 

 of attack ; it has occasionally a metastatic origin — that is, when 

 disease is transferred to a new seat. For example, a horse suf- 

 fering from pneumonia may be suddenly relieved on the super- 

 vention of laminitis ; the disease abandons the interior, and assails 

 the extremities. The translation of disease in this way may some- 

 times be considered salutary. Thus, if such change occur in the 

 system of a horse not enfeebled by age or disease, strong hopes 

 of recovery may be entertained; otherwise the subject is no better 

 off; for it frequently leaves him in that deplorable and utterly 

 ruined condition denominated founder. 



Causes of Laminitis. — We have already hinted at some of 

 them, yet the reader must remember that the same agency may 

 at one time only create a predisposition, and at another directly 

 excite the disease. Predisposing causes are those which produce 

 in the system certain changes which prepare it for the develop- 

 ment of disease ; they are slow and gradual in their operation, 

 not cognizable at all times. This is the incubative stage of dis- 

 ease. Exciting causes are those from which diseases seem to 

 have a direct origin, as in metastasis, for example ; still it is very 

 difficult, therefore, to decide where the first ends, and the latter 

 commences. The opinion of scientific men must, however, be our 

 guide. Mr. John Field gives the following account of the causes 

 and symptoms of laminitis : — 



" This disease may be occasioned either by severe work on dry, 

 hard roads, or by inflammation of the lungs, &c, whereby, in the 

 former instance, it arises from excessive friction between the 

 sensible and horny laminae, while in the latter, from the animal 

 constantly standing, an undue and continued stress is laid upon 

 that part. The symptoms are, a hard, strong, and frequent pulse ; 

 the animal expresses great pain, and blood sometimes oozes from 

 the coronet, attended with a sinking of the coronary ligament. 

 If the fore feet are affected, he extends them forward, and brings 



