DISEASES OF THE FOOT 171 



ciilar structure of the foot has an abundant supply of sensory 

 nerves, and, as it is situated between the hoof and the bony core, 

 the pressure and pain resulting from the inflammation are severe. 

 In the acute form general symptoms are manifested. The 

 appetite is impaired, the body temperature elevated and the pulse 

 beats and respirations quickened. If the inflammation is severe, 

 the animal prefers to lie down. This is especially true if all four 

 feet are inflamed. In most cases the horse stands with the 

 forefeet well forward and the hind feet in front of their normal 

 position and under the body. The affected feet are feverish and 

 very sensitive to jarring or pressure. Moving about increases 

 the pain in the feet, and it may be very difiicult to make the 

 animal step about the stall. 



In the subacute form the symptoms are less severe. The 

 irregularity in the gait is especially noticeable when the animal 

 is turned quickly. The local symptoms are less marked than 

 in the acute form and the general symptoms may be absent. 



The chronic form is characterized by changes in the shape 

 and appearance of the liDofs (Fig. 43). The wall shows prom- 

 inent ridges or rings, the toe may be concave, thick and long and 

 the sole less arched than usual, or convex. The degree of lame- 

 ness varies. It is more noticeable when the horse is moved over 

 a hard roadway than if moved over soft ground. One attack of 

 laminitis may predispose the aninnil to a second attack. 



The jjrognosis depends on the character of the inflammation 

 and the promptness and thoroughness of the treatment. Acute 

 laminitis may respond to prompt, careful treatment in from 

 ten to fourteen days. Subacute laminitis responds readily to 

 treatment. The prognosis is least favorable in the chronic form. 



The preventive treatment is very important. Dietetic causes 

 are responsible for a large percentage of the cases of this disease. 

 Horses that are accustomed to being fed and watered at irregular 

 periods and after severe or unusual exercise seem to be able to 

 stand this treatment better than animals that are more carefully 



