DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 267 



of a fluid that is practically incompressible. The os pedis 

 must be pushed backwards. Secondly, the manner in which 

 the animal distributes his weight — namely, upon the heels 

 — is calculated to aid in the bone's backward movement, 

 for with his feet in this position tension under the extensor 

 pedis is relaxed, while that upon the flexor perforans is 

 greatly increased. 



(c) Suppuration. — Should the animal survive the pain 

 and exhausting calls made upon his system by the accom- 

 panying fever of the foregoing conditions, the case ends 

 either in resolution or suppuration. When suppuration 

 occurs it is found, as a rule, at the sole, leading to almost 

 entire separation of the sensitive and horny structures. 

 The pain, if possible, is even worse than in either of the 

 foregoing stages, and relief for the suffering patient is only 

 obtainable by the natural exit of the pus at the coronet, or 

 by giving it escape with the knife at the sole. As a rule, 

 suppuration in laminitis is rare, and then only occurs when 

 the disease has been of some several days' duration. It 

 has been the author's experience, however, to meet with it 

 in a case but three days' old. This particular animal had 

 laminitis restricted to the hind-feet. The condition was 

 diagnosed and pus liberated at the sole of one foot during 

 the third day of the lameness. The animal was cast on 

 the fourth day, and pus obtained from the sole of the 

 opposite foot. 



Complications. — In a moderate case, carefully treated, 

 laminitis terminates at the end of three or four days in 

 resolution. The general symptoms of fever gradually sub- 

 side, the appetite returns, and the walk becomes easier. 

 Cases thus terminating fortunately leave behind them no 

 change of serious importance, either in the sensitive tissues 

 or in the horny envelope. Should resolution, however, be 

 longer delayed, then the case, although eventually termi- 

 nating successfully so far as soundness in gait is concerned, 

 leaves more or less evidence behind in the shape of rings 

 about the wall and alterations in the build of the sole. 



When the happy ending of rapid resolution is denied us, 



