LAMINITIS. 429 



dangerous diseases to which the horse can be subjected. A 

 horse suffering from a severe attack of Laminitis literally 

 appears to melt before the vision of the observer. 



Heavy draught-horses, and horses having flat soles and 

 weak hoofs are the most subject to the malady. 



The disease presents itself under two forms — viz., Acute 

 and Sub-acute Laminitis. 



The fore feet are far more liable to suffer from the disease 

 than the hinder ones ; and this may arise from the former being 

 more subject to concussion than the latter. In progression, 

 the hind limbs projpel the body, while the fore limbs carry its 

 weight, and receive the concussion which results from loco- 

 motion. 



It is not common for both the fore and hind feet to be 

 attacked with Laminitis at the same time. Sometimes (espe- 

 cially in Metastatic Laminitis) the disease will cease in the fore 

 feet, and appear in the hind ones ; and it is more uncommon 

 still to find Acute Laminitis confined to one foot only. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of Acute Laminitis differ ac- 

 cording to the stage at which the disease may be seen. The 

 early symptoms are — the animal being dejected; occasionally 

 breathing quicker than ordinary ; appearing anxious ; and fre- 

 quently shifting his position. If taken out of the stall, and 

 made to walk, he does so with pain and reluctance ; he steps 

 short, and paddles in his gait ; the feet also are warmer than 

 natural. 



As the disease progresses, the breathing becomes more 

 hurried, and the pulse greatly quickened ; in some instances it 

 may reach as high as ninety, or even one hundred beats per 

 minute. The movements of the animal are peculiar, and, to a 

 close observer, at once indicate the nature of the malady. The 



