ANATOMICAL CHANGES AFTER LAMINITIS. 



397 



sensitive and horny lamina3 is more or less obliterated, the os 

 pedis sinks, and at the same time a depression occurs round the 

 coronet (figs. 372 to 375). 



The form of the hoof, therefore, alters and the heels appear 

 higher. Eings form on the wall, the course of which is quite 

 characteristic. At the toe they lie close together, gradually di- 

 verging from this point towards the heels (fig. 374). Below the 

 coronet the toe wall generally sinks in, while its under parts 

 appear thrust outwards. The white line is abnormally broad, its 

 horn is ' cheesy,' loose, and easily broken down ; as a consequence, 

 the relations between the horny wall and horny sole are altered 

 and there is a tendency to the formation of hollow wall. If 

 no relapse occurs, recovery sometimes results, the new horn 



Fig. 376. — Special broad shoe for laminitis, with two toe-clips and a frog-clip. 



growing down in the normal direction from the coronet, 

 though as a rule the horn of the white line appears altered in 

 character. If, however, the first attack be severe or repeated, 

 the horny sole becomes flattened or even convex around the toe 

 in consequence of descent of the os pedis. In aggravated cases 

 the toe of the os pedis may penetrate the horny sole in front 

 of the frog. The wall of the toe, previously little changed, is 

 then completely distorted and bulged outwards. 



Early treatment by a veterinary surgeon may cut short the 

 attack and entirely prevent the changes in form and condition 

 of the hoof, but when this is neglected the disease is apt to 



