INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 287 



scalpel, removes from the opening a dry detritus. This 

 is composed of the solid constituents of the escaped blood, 

 the dried remains of the inflammatory exudate, and broken- 

 down fragments of cheesy-looking horn. The size to which 

 the cavity may sometimes extend is illustrated in Fig. 124. 

 The thickened horny laminae forming the anterior boundary 

 of the cavity are here depicted, together with commencing 

 perforation of the horny sole by the os pedis. It is this 

 cavity which, when opened at the bottom and discharging 

 its mealy-looking contents, is known as seedy-toe, for a 

 further description of which see p. 293. 



The lameness occurring with chronic laminitis does not 

 always persist. As time goes on the sensitive structures 

 accommodate themselves to the altered form and con- 

 ditions of the horny box. In certain situations — namely, 

 where pressure is greatest — the softer structures become 

 atrophied, and sometimes even wholly destroyed ; while in 

 other positions the changes in form of the hoof tend to 

 increase in size of its interior, with a consequent diminu- 

 tion of pressure upon, and increased growth of the struc- 

 tures within it. 



Pathological Anatomy. — In detailing the changes to be 

 observed in chronic laminitis, we take up the description 

 where we left it when dealing with the pathological anatomy 

 of the acute form. The alterations to be met with are best 

 observed by taking a foot so diseased and making of it two 

 sections — one longitudinal, from before backwards; the 

 other horizontal, and in such a position as to cut the os 

 pedis through at its centre. 



These sections will expose to view the cavity formed by 

 the pouring out of the exudate, and its full extent may be 

 noticed by examining the sections alternately. Taking the 

 horizontal section first, it will be seen that the hollow space 

 extends wholly round the toe, and as far back as the com- 

 mencement of the quarters. In the latter position one is 

 able to observe laminae still in their normal positions and 

 condition. At the toe, however, the horny and secretive 

 laminae are widely separated, and the space between them 



