212 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



most seriously affected. These leaves number five or six 

 hundred or more, and surround the front and sides of the pedal 

 bone, the largest and most vascular being in front, and it is 

 these which are involved most acutely. Congestion of these 

 leaves, especially if acute, will produce symptoms like those of 

 inflammation. The causes are : long-continued standing in 

 one position, severe exertion on hard ground, derangement of 

 the stomach or bowels by improper food, or as the result of 

 inflammation of these, or super-purgation ; a gross condition 

 and want of exercise, injury to the foot, inflammation of the 

 lungs, improper shoeing, etc. The fore-feet are those most fre- 

 quently involved, though the hind-feet may also suffer, and in 

 certain cases all the feet may be inflamed. 



This is a most painful disease, and causes great suffering, 

 from the fact that the inflamed parts are confined in a rigid 

 horny box, which does not allow of any expansion for the 

 swelling that takes place. The breathing and the pulse are 

 much affected, and the horse shows signs of distress. To 

 relieve the front part of the feet, if the fore ones are involved, 

 the horse throws the fore-limbs forward, so as to place as much 

 of his weight as possible on the heels, with the hind-feet well 

 under the body for support. In this position he will remain 

 fixed, as it were, and it is most difficult to induce him to move. 

 Should the inflammation affect the hind-feet, these are also 

 placed under the body ; but the fore ones are thrown back, so 

 as to relieve the latter as much as possible. When attempting 

 to move the animal backwards, the condition of the feet is at 

 once made apparent by the animal's unwillingness to move 

 them, the body swaying back, but the feet remaining fixed to 

 the ground. Attempts to lift one of the feet also cause the 

 animal to evince great agony. In some rare cases the horse is 

 lying down, and then there is great unwillingness to get up. 

 The hoofs are burning hot, and tapping with a hammer or stick 

 greatly increases the pain. 



