360 DISEA3ES OF THE FEET. 



interstices ; and (2^,) by removal or absorption, as already 

 described under Navicular Diseask 



In addition to the results indicated by the above-described 

 pathological changes, ossification of the sensitive laminae and 



Via. 71 repi«sent8 a more advanced atrophied or absorbed 

 condition of the bone, with ossification of the laminas. 



suppuration are" occasionally found, the latter occurring more 

 especially at the coronet, detaching a small portion of the upper 

 part of the wall ; whilst in other instances a serous fluid collects 

 between the sensitive and horny soles and frogs, and detaches 

 tliem from each other. 



Direct concussion causes laminitis, by its effects upon all the 

 structures of the feet. Usually this form is confined to the two 

 fore feet But we must look further into the question, to under- 

 stand the operation of inflammation, or even irritation of aa 

 internal organ, in the causation of this disease. 



Many writers state that affections of a serous " membrane,' 

 such as the pleura, terminate, by metastasis, in laminitis. I 

 have carefully studied the question for some years, and have 

 arrived at the conclusion that such is not the case ; that when 

 the feet become inflamed during the progress of another disease, 

 a mucous membrane is involved, and that the inflammation of 

 tlie laminse is due to an extension of the irritation from its 

 ])rimary seat to the laminse of the feet, as explained by Professor 

 Dick in the words already quoted, namely, " The feet are 

 aflected, as well as the whole surface of the body, the hair of 

 the mane and tail being often thrown off." To explain this, 

 it will be necessary to r,emember that the skin, mucous structures, 

 and laminc3 are continuous one with another, and secretory ; 

 the nature of their secretions being similar, namely, epithelium 



