LAMENESS IN THE FORE LEG 165 



In time, partly because of excessive wear of hoof at the heel, 

 owing to an altered condition in the normal antagonistic rela- 

 tion between the flexor and extensor tendons, the toe makes an 

 excessive growth, and the concavity of the anterior line is ac- 

 centuated owing to this abnormal length of hoof. The hoof, 

 because of recurrent inflammator}^ attacks, is corrugated — eleva- 

 tions of horn in parallel rings are usually present. 



Aniiuals that are so affected in traveling strike the heel first 



Fig. 33— The hoof in chronic laminitis. Note the concavity. This animal 

 was serviceable for any worlv that could be performed at a walk. 



and the toe is later contacted with the ground surface. Rotation 

 of the distal phalanx upon its transverse axis produces a con- 

 dition, with respect to this peculiar impediment, that is equiva- 

 lent to added and excessive length of the deep flexor tendon. 



Where there occurs suppuration, by careful inspection of the 

 coronary region, one may early recognize detachment of hoof. 

 In such cases animals remain recumbent and, while the condi- 

 tion is not so painful at this stage, the practitioner must not 

 overlook the real state of affairs. History, if obtainable, will 

 be a helpful guide in such cases. Separation of hoof occurs as 



