AND MALFORMATIONS OF THE FEET. 99 



at that part is comparatively sound, because the 

 inflammation in the laminae has principally affected 

 the anterior portion of the feet ; and again the 

 length of the shoe will diffuse, and thereby lessen 

 concussion. Here the animal himself will assist 

 us much. It will be observed that all horses 

 affected with laminitis tread much on their heels, 

 and save as far as possible the anterior portion of 

 their feet. 



From this peculiarity of action all flat-footed 

 horses require to be shod with straight shoes, in 

 order to make the wear even all over the feet. 



With a view of further diminishing the jar on 

 the crust, it is advisable to shoe such horses with 

 ieather. But where this is done, the leather 

 should be cut out from under the sole, and left only 

 under the shoes. On account of the flatness or 

 convexity of the portion of the sole, which is 

 pressed upon by the toe of the coffin bone, the 

 leather, if allowed to remain over the sole, is apt 

 to cause undue pressure on it ; and, moreover, it is 

 difficult to prevent dirt and gravel getting under 

 the leather, and producing irritation and lameness. 



Whilst we object at all times to rasping the 

 crust, paring of the sole, cutting away the bars, 

 and opening the heels, these practices are especially 

 to be avoided in weak and diseased feet, such as 

 those affected by laminitis. 



7—2 



