418 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



become the subject of this disease, although it appears more often in 

 the fore feet than in the hind ones. This is due to the difference of 

 function, /. e., that the fore feet are the bases of the columns of sup- 

 port, receiving nearl^^ all the body weight during progression and con- 

 .sequently most of the concussion, while the hind feet become simply 

 the fulcra of the levers of progression, and are almost exempt from 

 concussion. 



One foot. — Injuries and excessive functional performance are the 

 causes of the disease in only one foot. The general symptoms, as a 

 rule, are not severe, there being often no loss of appetite and no unu- 

 sual thirst, while the pulse, temperature, and respiration remain about 

 normal. The weight of the bod}' is early thrown upon the opposite 

 foot, and the affected one is extended, repeatedly raised from the floor, 

 and then carefully replaced. When made to move forward the lame 

 foot is either carried In the air while progression is accomplished by 

 hopping with the health}' one, or else the heel of the first is placed 

 upon the ground and receives little weight while the sound limb is 

 quickly advanced. Progression in a straight line is more easy than 

 turning toward the lame side. 



Both fore feet. — When both fore feet are affected the sj-mptoms are 

 well marked. The lameness is excessive and the animal almost 

 immovable. When standing the head hangs low down, or rests upon 

 the manger as a means of support and to relieve the feet; the fore 

 feet are well extended so that the weight is thrown upon the heels, 

 where the tissues are least sensitive, least inflamed, and most capable 

 of relief by free effusion. The hind feet are brought forward beneath 

 the body to receive as much weight as possible, thereby relieving the 

 diseased ones. If progression is attempted, which rarely happens vol- 

 untarily during the first three or four daj's, it is accomplished Avith 

 very great pain and lameness at the starting, which usually subsides to 

 an extent after a few minutes' exercise. During this exercise, if the 

 animal happens to step upon a small stone or other hard substance, he 

 stumbles painfully and is excossivel}^ lame in the offended member for 

 a number of steps, owing to the acute pain which pressure upon the 

 sole causes in the tissues beneath. The manner of the progression is 

 pathognomonic of the complaint. Sometimes the affected feet are 

 simultaneously raised from the ground (the hind ones sustaining the 

 weight), then advanced a short distance and carefully replaced; at 

 almost the same moment the hind ones are quickly shuffled forward 

 near to the center of gravitation. 



In other instances one foot at a time is advanced and placed with the 

 heel upon the ground in the same careful manner, all causes of con- 

 cussion being carefully avoided. In attempting to back the animal he 

 is found to l)e almost stationary", simply swaying the body backward 

 on the haunches and elevating the toes of the diseased feet as they 



