31 



than half an inch apart, from the coronet to the ground surface. 

 There is no severe pain present in subacute or chronic laminitis, and 

 consequently no indications of constitutional irritation, as in the 

 acute form of the malady. The subacute stage is distinguished 

 from the chronic by the more decided character of the lameness and 

 greater amount of heat in the feet, but it must be admitted that in 

 many cases the two degrees are so closely allied that it would be 

 diflScult to decide where one ceases and the other begins. One 

 variety of chronic fever in the feet, which is more properly the sub- 

 sidence of the most acute form, is seen in what is termed pumiced 

 foot. In this disease the foot becomes elongated, the ridges of the 

 horn are remarkably developed, the hoof is altogether distorted, the 

 sole becomes convex and bulges beyond the cnist, the entire hoof 

 structure is brittle, and in places where the external shell is broken 

 presents the appearance of pumice-stone. 



" Notwithstanding the extensive alteration in form and structure of 

 the feet, horses so affected have worked hard for years without appa- 

 rently becoming much worse. 



" Treatment of subacute and chronic laminitis must be based on 

 the principle of palliating what cannot be radically cured. When 

 the lameness is very severe, and the feet are exceedingly hot and 

 tender, the shoes should be removed and the soles well thinned ; 

 after which bleeding from the toe is to be recommended. Wet 

 swabs should also be applied to the feet, and a dose of physic given ; 

 rest, as a matter of course, in a loose box being enjoined for at least 

 a fortnight, after which a little walking exercise on soft ground will 

 be beneficial. In the event of the lameness continuing unabated at 

 the end of the second week, a blister round the coronet is likely to 

 do good. When, by the adoption of proper treatment, the lameness 

 has been relieved, great care will stiU be necessary to preserve the 

 horse in working condition. Shoeing is most important. The iron 

 should be so adapted to the foot that no pressure is inflicted upon 

 the sole, which must at the same time be well protected by a good 

 cover. A good bearing should also be given to the heels. In many 

 cases horses work most comfortably in a bar shoe, which may be 

 arranged to suit any kind of foot, as it may be made heavy or very 

 light, according to circumstances. The constant employment of 

 swabs to the feet while the horse is in the stable has a beneficial 

 effect, and the use of some compound of tar and turpentine with 

 fatty matters, melted to fomi a common hoof ointment to be kept in 

 the stable for daily application, will contribute to lessen the brittle- 

 ness of the horn, which is one of the chief difficulties the shoeing 



