CHAPTER II. 



DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



CONGESTION OF THE CLAWS. 



Congestion of the claws is not infrequently confused with contusion of 

 the sole. It is, however, essentially different, and presents closer 

 analogies with laminitis. The condition is characterised by congestion of 

 the entire vascular system of the claw and j^rincipally of the velvety 

 tissue. Like laminitis, it affects all four limbs ; in rare cases the two 

 front or two hind. 



Congestion of the claw^ results almost exclusively from enforced move- 

 ment on hard, dry and hot ground. It is commoner in animals 

 unaccustomed to walking, and in heavy beasts which have been travelled 

 considerable distances to attend fairs or markets. It is commonest in 

 the bovine and porcine species, and less common in sheep. 



The symptoms appear after animals return from a long journey by 

 road. They are characterised by unwillingness to bear w^eight on the 

 feet and difficulty in movement. Standing is painful, and the animals 

 resist being moved; as soon as released they lie down. 



Diagnosis presents no difficulty, though the condition is sometimes 

 mistaken for sliglit laminitis. 



Prognosis is favourable. 



Absolute and prolonged rest is always followed by recovery, no 

 internal medication being necessary, though this result is promoted by 

 enveloping the claws in wet comj)resses or by using cold foot baths, etc. 



CONTUSIONS OF THE SOLE. 



Contusions of the sole are only seen in animals which work without 

 shoes or in such as are badly shod. 



Work on rocky ground, movement over newly metalled roads, and 

 wounds produced by sharp stones, are the principal causes of contusion 

 of the sole. Badly applied shoes, flat or slightly convex on their upper 

 surfaces, may also produce bruising in the region of the sole. The 

 anterior angle of the claw is rarely affected. 



