228 THE STOCK owner's advisee. 



where it was not advisable to perform neurotomy, by applying 

 a shoe with two-inch calks on it, and at the same time paring the 

 toe as short as possible. 



Each time the horse is shod the toe should be pared as close 

 as possible, and the heels not interfered with. As the foot is 

 gradually brought in this position, the calks should be lowered, 

 until finally they can be removed entirely. This method changes 

 the seat of disease in connection with the bones and relieves 

 the tendon. 



LAMINITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE FOOT, 



Occurs in the acute, sub-acute, and chronic forms. It is also 

 known as founder. It is one of the most dreadful diseases the 

 horse is liable to, and is not confined to the feet, although its 

 chief seat of pain is there, frequently, in consequence of too 

 long-delayed treatment, separation of the sensitive from the in- 

 sensitive lamina takes place, the os pedis descends, constituting a 

 disease known as pomaced foot. In resolution the exudate is 

 removed by the absorptive process. When not absorbed, it is 

 greatest at the toe, and pomaced foot is the result. In other 

 cases the os pedis may not descend, but the functions will be in- 

 terfered with, causing the hoof to grow down in a series of 

 ridges. 



Causes. — A predisposition, as weak and flat feet. The ex- 

 citing cause is hard and fast work, especially on paved roads. A 

 horse with high-2:>ounding action is likelier to suffer with an 

 attack of laminitis than an animal having a low, smooth action. 

 Bad shoeing may cause it. It also follows any irritation or de- 

 rangement of the digestive system, such as may be induced by 

 the administration of food or drink in excessive quantities. A 

 strong dose of purgative medicine may cause the disease, or 

 diarrhoea from other causes may produce it. I have seen it fol- 

 low parturition, in consequence of the irritation existing in con- 

 nection with the generative system. An inflanunation of any 

 mucous membrane may extend to the feet and produce laminitis. 



