106 



Moderate elevation of the heels I find to be productive of 

 more benefit than lowering them, as is the practice in the treat- 

 ment of the inventor of a shoe, denominated 



"BROAD'S LAMINITIS SHOE," 



well known in England. I enjoyed the advantage of being 

 that gentleman's chief assistant for over a year, and am there- 

 fore familiar with his principles and plans of treatment. I well 

 remember the obloquy sought to be cast upon his special treat- 

 ment by those who were not acquainted with its merits, and I 

 anticipate a similar, if not a worse reception for my theory and 

 method of treatment as applicable to the same disease. 



A POINT OF SOME IMPORTANCE, 



as relieving pressure from the part immediately affected in 

 laminitis, is to omit the nails nearest the toe, one on each side, 

 and with the knife or rasp remove a small portion of the horn, 

 at the toe, extending on each side as far as the nail-holes, so 

 that when the animal's weight is on the ground, a knife or any 

 similar instrument may be passed between the shoe and the 

 toe. Every smith knows what is meant by easing the heels. 

 What I require is a similar easing of the toe. A moment's re- 

 flection will reveal the value of this simple expedient when the 

 pain is the anterior region of the foot. When the animal places 

 his foot upon the ground, in such a case, pressure and concus- 

 sion at the toe is obviated, his weight is borne by the broadest 

 and soundest part of the foot, and some relief from pain in 

 progression is the immediate consequence. 



A ROLLING MOTION EXPEDIENT. 



Further, a slight rounding of the shoe from heel to toe, by 

 giving a ''rolling motion'' to the foot when in action, and by 

 causing the broadest part of the foot to receive the animal's 

 weight instead of the toe during progression, is also an advan- 

 tage in bad cases, the value of which will be appreciated 

 whenever the expedient is adopted. Horses given to stumble 



