44 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



In some instances, where a moderate degree of lameness exists 

 and cause is apparently obscure, the recognition of hyperthermia 

 may be the deciding factor in establishing a diagnosis. In cases 

 of sprained ligaments in the phalangeal region, because of the 

 dense character of the structures involved, little if any evidence 

 of the cause of lameness, other than local heat, may be found 

 twenty-four hours after the injury has been inflicted. 



In order to determine the amount or extent of hyperthermia 

 with a fair degree of accuracy in any given case, one must make 

 due allowance for external conditions affecting temperature ; 

 also the effect of a considerable amount of hair covering an area, 

 as well as any possible dirt contacting the surface of the skin 

 must be taken into account. All dirt should be removed if prac- 

 ticable, so that the diagnostician's palms may come as nearly 

 in contact with the inflamed structures as possible. Then, too, 

 the sense of touch if the operator's hands are chilled, is not de- 

 pendable. In such instances the novice wnll need to be de- 

 liberate as to his findings — whether or not hyperthermia really 

 exists. Such an examination is of little value where the sub- 

 ject's feet are wet and an examination is hurriedly made, as in 

 eases of suspected laminitis. 



Often, before being able to di.stinguish the presence of a 

 hyperthermic condition, one is impressed with the fact that an 

 animal manifests evidence of being supersensitive. In fact, 

 some animals in the anticipation of pain at the touch of an in- 

 jured part, will instinctively withdraw — in self-protection — such 

 an ailing member or resist the approach of the practitioner. This 

 sensitiveness is more apparent in animals that have been sub- 

 jected to previous manipulation or treatment which has oc- 

 casioned pain, and consequently, allowance must be made for 

 this exhibition of fear. No better example of this condition can 

 be imagined than is present in cases of "shoe boil." where 

 there exists an extensive area of acute inflammation of the el- 

 bow. There is always more or less surface disturbance wherever 

 vesication has ])een produced, and in cases where irritants of 

 any kind have been employed for several days or a week previous 

 to an examination, more or less supersensitiveness is to be ex- 

 pected. 



