522 ACUTE FOUNDER. 



Previously to the application of any unguent, all excre- 

 mentitious matter should be removed from the skin, as 

 scurf or scab, by scraping, brushing, rubbing, or washing, 

 which will enable the ointment to reach the parts more 

 effectually. The method of applying the ointment may be 

 left to the discretion of the rubber. We used to direct it to 

 be done by means of a thick pair of leathern gloves ; which 

 will enable the operator to work it into the skin, or to 

 spread it well over every part, and to the bottom of any 

 sinuosities. The rubbing for the exposed parts should be 

 repeated every day, and a general dressing should be made 

 every other day. Where the skin is very stubborn, apply 

 the ointment by means of a hard brush. 



HIDEBOUND. 



It is very seldom that hidebound exists as a primary 

 disease of the skin, but as a symptomatic affection it is 

 sufficiently common. It is unnecessary to enlarge farther 

 on it ; the introduction of it here is merely intended to keep 

 the systematic order of diseases complete. Liberal food 

 and proper grooming will generally cure this imaginary dis- 

 order. 



CHAPTER XX. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE FEET. 



ACUTE LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 



This may be characterized as an acute inflammatory attack 

 on the vascular parts of the foot generally, but on the 

 sensitive laminee more particularly ; when we consider the 

 extent of secreting surface engaged in the formation of horn, 

 we cannot be surprised that these organs should become 

 the subjects of extensive inflammation. Primary inflam- 

 mation takes place in them from different causes, as from 

 the alternation of heat with cold, exactly in the same 

 manner as it occasions other great inflammations ; but more 

 particularly here, when extraordinary exertions have already 

 distended the vessels. It is, therefore, not unfrequently 

 seen consequent upon any great exertion, as hard driving or 



