428 BUEEAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



Laminitis from the effects of purgatives can scarcely be guarded 

 against. I can not determine from the cases in wbicli 1 have seen this 

 result that there arc any conditions present that would warn us of 

 danger. The trouble does not seem to depend upon the size of the 

 purgative, the length of time before purgation begins, or the activity 

 and severity with which the remedy acts. Medicines known to have 

 unusual irritating effects on the alimentary canal should be used only 

 when necessity demands it and then in moderate doses. 



Experience alone will determine what animals are liable to suffer 

 from this disease through the use of foods. When an attack can be 

 ascribed to any particular food it should be withheld, unless in small 

 quantities. Horses that have never been fed upon Indian corn should 

 receive but a little of it at a time, mixed with bran, oats, or other food, 

 until it has been determined that no danger exists. Corn is less safe 

 in warm than in cold weather, and for this reason it should always be 

 fed with caution during spring and summer months. 



When an animal is excessively lame in one foot the shoe of the oppo- 

 site member should be removed, and cold water frequently applied to 

 the well foot. At the same time use the slings if the subject remains 

 standing. Horses should under no circumstances be overworked; to 

 guard against this, previous work, nature of roads, state of weather, 

 and various other influences must be carefully considered. Watering 

 while warm is a pernicious habit, and, unless the animal is accustomed 

 to it, is apt to result in some disorder, ofttimes in laminitis. 



Curative measures. — In cases of simple congestion of the lamina^ the 

 body should be warmly clothed and warm drinks administered. The 

 feet should be placed in a warm bath to increase the return flow of 

 blood. In course of an hour the feet may be changed to cold water 

 and kept there until recovery is completed. If the constitutional 

 symptoms demand it, diuretics should be given. Half-ounce doses 

 of saltpeter, three times a day in the water, answer the purpose. In 

 cases of active congestion the warm footbaths should be omitted and 

 cold ones used from the commencement. Subacute laminitis demands 

 the same treatment, with laxatives if there is constipation, and the addi- 

 tion of low-heeled shoes. The diuretics may need to be. continued for 

 some time and their frequency increased. Regarding acute laminitis, 

 what has been called the "American treatment" is simple and efficient. 

 It consists solely in the exhibition of large doses of nitrate of potash 

 and the continued application to the feet and ankles of cold water. 



Three to 4 ounces of saltpeter in a pint of water, repeated every 

 six hours, is the proper dose. The laminitis frequently subsides 

 within a week. These large doses may be continued for a week with- 

 out danger; under no circumstances have I seen the kidneys irritated 

 to excess or other unfavorable effects produced. 



The feet should be kept in a tub of water at a temperature of 45'-* 



