DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEET 



engorgement of the lungs, to congestion of the 

 feet. A variety of causes are liable to be opera- 

 tive in the production of laminitis, some being 

 of a dietetic nature, others the result of concus- 

 sion. Both fore, both hind, or all the feet, may 

 be implicated, but commonly it is the fore feet, 

 if so, the animal endeavours to place them as 

 far forward as possible, in order to relieve 

 the feet from the weight of the body. If the 

 hind ones are the seat of trouble, these are placed 

 forward also with the same object. The pulse is 

 quick and full, the membranes of the eyes 

 reddened, and sometimes the eyelids are swollen. 

 Internal temperature is commonly 105 or 106 

 degrees Fahr., the breathing quick and laboured, 

 more especially when the animal attempts to 

 move, which it seldom does except by force. 

 To an ordinary observer it looks as though 

 the horse is riveted to the ground, and afraid to 

 move, which it really is owing to the pain 

 induced. Sweating, thirst, throbbing of the 

 arteries above the foot, increased heat of the 

 feet, along with variable other signs, are the 

 principal features illustrative of this painful 

 malady, the results of which are, frequently, 



X85 



