DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



By M. R. Tkumbower, D. V. S. 

 [Revised by Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D.] 



LAMINITIS (FOUNDER). 



Laminitis denotes an active inflammation of the sensitive struc- 

 tures within the wall of the hoof, which in severe cases may result 

 in suppuration and the loss of one or more claws. Owing to the sim- 

 plicity of the structure of the foot of an ox compared with that of 

 the horse, this disease is rarely seen in an acute form, but a mild 

 form, commonly called " foot soreness," is not of infrequent occur- 

 rence. 



Causes. — Laminitis in cattle may be caused by overfeeding, over- 

 heating, continued standing without exercise on a stone or cement 

 floor without sufficient bedding, or by driving long distances over 

 rough or stony soil. 



Symptoms. — An unwillingness to maintain the standing position; 

 the animal persists in lying down. The feet will be found unnatu- 

 rally hot, and frequently some swelling may be noticed above the 

 hoof. Pressure upon the hoof with blacksmith's hoof pincers causes 

 pain and flinching. The general body temperature is increased and 

 the breathing accelerated. Ordinarily the animal eats and drinks 

 as usual. When it is made to move excessive tenderness of the feet 

 becomes manifest, as is shown by reluctance to walk and by the very 

 short, hesitating step. Founder affects the hind as well as the fore 

 feet, although the front feet are more often exposed. 



Treatment. — Cold packs to the feet, or if the animal can be made 

 to stand in a stream of water, having a soft bottom, the inflammation 

 is often relieved without the necessity of any additional treatment. 

 It may be well, however, to give a full dose of Epsom salt, 1 to 1^ 

 pounds, followed by half-ounce doses of saltpeter two or three times 

 a day. 



SORENESS (FOOT SORENESS). 



Cattle that have been stabled or pastured on soft groimd and are 

 driven over stony roads soon wear down the soles of their feet and 

 become lame from foot soreness. Draft oxen, for this reason, require 

 to be shod. When the soreness is excessive it may develop into an 

 active inflammation of all the sensitive structures of the foot — ■ 

 laminitis, or into a local bruise commonly called a " corn." 



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