LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 161 



fer wagons are, when in a state of perspiration, allowed to stand 

 exposed to sudden lowering of temperature and to stand in a 

 cool or cold shower of rain such as occurs near the coast of the 

 Great Lakes or the ocean in some parts of this country. 



This disease occurs in connection with digestive disorders of 

 various kinds and, because of the frequent association of the 

 two conditions, the common term "founder" has long been em- 

 ployed to designate laminitis. In cases of "over-loading," par- 

 ticularly when a large quantity of wheat has been eaten by 

 animals that are unaccustomed to this diet, laminitis almost con- 

 stantly results. 



Large draughts of cold water, when drunk by animals that 

 are overheated is often followed by laminitis. Concussion, such 

 as attends hard driving, especially in unshod horses or on rough 

 and hard roads, is often succeeded by this affection. Likewise, as 

 has been stated, injury such as is occasioned by long continued 

 standing on the same foot is followed by laminitis. Some horses 

 that are frequently shod, suffer from this affection a few hours 

 after shoes have been reset. Dr. Chas. R. Treadway of Kansas 

 City reports the rather frequent occurrence of such conditions 

 in horses that are in the fire department service in his city. 



Age in no way influences the occurrence of laminitis and the 

 general condition of an animal with regard to its vigor or state 

 of flesh has no apparent influence toward predisposiag horses to 

 this ailment. 



Etiology and Classification. — As it is with some other dis- 

 eases, one may unprofitably theorize on cause and readily enu- 

 merate many conditions which are apparently contributory 

 toward producing the affection. Causes may well be grouped, 

 however, and a more definite understanding of laminitis is pos- 

 sible as a result. Such collocation would include conditions 

 which directly or indirectly affect the digestion, such as puer- 

 peral laminitis, drinking of large quantities of cold water and 

 exposure to cold and rain when the body is warm. All of these 

 various conditions might be said to affect the vaso-constrictor 

 nerves in such manner that the natural tendency (because of the 

 peculiar structure of the sensitive laminae and their mode of 



