DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



By M. R. TRUMBOWER, D. V. S., Sterling, 111. 



LAM1NITIS FOUNDER. 



La mi nit i > denotes an active inflammation of the sensitive structures 

 within the wall of the hoof, which may in severe cases result in sup- 

 puration, and the loss of one or more claws. Owing to the simplicity 

 of the structure of the foot of the ox, compared with that of the horse, 

 this disease is rarely seen in an acute form, but a mild form, commonly 

 called soreness, is not of infrequent occurrence. 



Causes. Lauiinitis in cattle may be caused by overfeeding, overheat- 

 ing, or by driving long distances over rough or stony soil. 



Symptoms. An unwillingness to maintain the standing position; the 

 animal persists in lying down. The feet will be found unnaturally hot, 

 and frequently some swelling may be noticed above the hoof; the gen- 

 eral body temperature is increased, and the breathing accelerated. 

 Ordinarily the animal eats and drinks. When it is made to move ex- 

 cessive tenderness of the feet becomes manifest; it affects the hind as 

 well as the fore feet, usually all four. 



Treatment. Cold packs to the feet, or if the animal can be made to 

 stand in a running stream of water, having a soft bottom, this will often 

 relieve the inflammation without the necessity of any additional treat- 

 ment. It may bo well, however, to give a full dose of Epsom salts, 1 

 to 1J pounds, followed by half-ounce doses of saltpeter two or three 

 times a day. 



SORENESS FOOT SORENESS. 



Cattle that are driven over stony roads, especially such as have boon 

 stabled or pastured on soft ground, soon wear down the solos of their 

 feet and become lame from foot-soreness. Draft oxen, for this reason, 

 require to be shod. When the soreness is excessive it may develop into 

 an active inflammation of all the sensitive structures of the foot lami 

 uitin. 



Treatment. Rest, poultieing the feet with moistened Hay, followed 

 by astringent washes strong white-oak bark or alum water. 



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