396 inflammation of stkuctures enclosed by the hoof. 



6. Shoeing after Laminitir. 



Laminitis is a peculiar inflammation of the horn-secreting 

 structures, usually seen to follow chill, digestive disorder, or 

 overwork when the animal is in unfit condition. It suddenly 

 affects horses and frequently leads to changes in the form of 

 the hoof, as shown in figs. 372 to 374. Certain facts seem to 

 encourage the view that it results from specific infection. 



The disease is always accompanied with pain. The front 

 feet are the most common seat, though occasionally all four feet 

 or only one foot may be affected. In the first case the two 

 front-feet are placed in advance of the body and the hind-feet 

 thrust far under it. When all four feet are inflamed, the 

 animal can scarcely walk. The disease often attacks very 

 suddenly, and is then usually accompanied by well-marked 

 fever. 



The sensitive laminae of the toe show the most marked 



Fig. 372.— Longitudinal section of hoof one 

 year after severe attack of laminitis. 



Fig. 373.— Longitudinal section of hoof 

 three months after attack, a, patho- 

 logically modified horn of the white line ; 

 b, distortion of the horn tubules in con- 

 se((uence of sinking of the os pedis. 



Fig. 374. — Hoof after laminitis. 



Fig. 375.— The same shod. The dotted lines 

 indicate the previous form. 



changes, those of the quarters and heels being less affected. 

 Varying with the degree of disease the connection between the 



