350 DADDS VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



sand. The whole °urface of these articulations measures four 

 square feet ; hence, the horse having four feet, his body rests on 

 sixteen square feet of surface, all contained within his hoofs. 



The reader will probably realize that a knowledge of the ana> 

 omy and physiology of the foot is absolutely necessary, in orde: 

 to practice, with any degree of success, the art of shoeing. How 

 is this knowledge to be obtained? Can it be furnished at the 

 forge, in the blacksmith- shop ? Can such a complicated piece of 

 mechanism be thoroughly understood by the craftsmen of the 

 forge, who have never made the subject one of scientific inquiry? 



Let it not be understood that I am in a fault-finding mood. 

 The fact is, the husbandmen of this country have failed to put 

 their shoulders to the wheel for the purpose of establishing and 

 endowing veterinary schools in this country, and if blacksmiths 

 and "vets" do not understand the anatomy of horses feet, the for- 

 mer, who have vast interests at stake, must come in for a share of 

 the blame. On the other hand, we are disposed to be charitable 

 toward blacksmiths; and, taking into consideration the unyielding 

 nature of our paved streets, and the rough ground over which 

 aome poor animals are forced to travel, the wonder is, that theii 

 feet are not oftener diseased. 



Laminitis ("Fevee in the Feet," or "Feet Founder"). 



Laminitis, or fever in the feet, is an acute affection, confined to 

 the sensitive tissues within the hoof. It is one of the most pain- 

 ful maladies to which the horse is subject. 



Symptoms. — It manifests itself, very frequently, after a long 

 drive or race. The horse may be put into the stable at night all 

 right. In the morning he is observed to be all in a heap, as the 

 saying is — his flesh quivering, pulse very active, respirations quick 

 and jerking ; the flanks are tucked up, the back is roached, and the 

 fore-feet are sent forward, so that the animal treads on his heels; 

 and, when compelled to move, he endeavors to throw the weight 

 of his body on the hind legs. He is thirsty and feverish, but has 

 no appetite. All appearances about him indicate that he suffers 

 great pain. When a hand is placed upon the fore-feet, they feel 

 unnaturally hot. Such are the most prominent symptoms of 

 laminitis, or fever in the feet. 



