162 LAMExNESS OF THE HORSE 



attachment to the non-sensitive wall) which solipeds have for 

 this affection is indirectly due to this one cause — vaso-constric- 

 tion. According to Dr. D. ]\I. Campbell, the eft'ect of toxic ma- 

 terials, which may be absorbed from the digestive tract or the 

 uterus in parturient females, upon the vaso-constrictor nerves, 

 is such that a passive congestion of the sensitive laminae occurs 

 and laminitis is the result. He believes that even the chilling 

 of the surface of the body when very warm, by a cold rain, con- 

 stitutes a condition wherein the effect upon the vaso-constrictors 

 is the same. 



This grouping does not include the effect of direct injuries of 

 any and all kinds to which the feet are subjected such as : 

 Concussion in fast road work, injuries occasioned by tight or 

 ill fitting shoes, contusions of any kind resulting in non-infec- 

 tious inflammation of the sensitive laminae, as well as the causes 

 which produce laminitis where weight is borne by one foot when 

 its fellow is out of function. 



A classification which is practical is that of aciiie and chronic 

 laminitis. To the practicing veterinarian it is this manner 

 of consideration that i.s essential in the handling of these cases. 



Symptomatology. — In the acute attack the condition is so 

 well described by Dr. R. C. Moore^ that we quote him in part as 

 follows : 



The acute form is generally ushered in very suddenly. Often 

 a horse that is perfectly free from symptoms of the disease is 

 found a few hours later so stiff and sore that he will scarcely 

 move. They stand like they were riveted to the ground. If 

 forced to move the evidence of pain subsides to some extent after 

 they have gone a short distance, to return more severe than ever 

 after they have been allowed to stand for a short time. If the 

 disease is confined to the two front feet, the hind feet are placed 

 well under the center of the body to support the weight and 

 the front ones are advanced in front of a perpendicular line so 

 as to lessen the weight they must bear. If they are made to 

 move, the same position of the feet is maintained. If made to 

 turn in a small circle, they do so by using the hind feet as a 

 pivot, bringing the front parts around l)y i:>lacing as little weight 

 on them as possible. 



Placing the hind feet so far under the body, arches the back 



■< !« 



^Kquine Laminitis or Pododermatitis, by R. C. Moore, D. V. S., American 

 Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Vol. XT, page 284. 



