DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



By M. R. Tbtjmboweb, D. V. S. 



[Revised in 1904 by Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D.] 



LAMINinS (pounder). 



Laminitis denotes an active inflammation of the sensitive struc- 

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

 in suppuration and the loss of one or more claws. Owing to the sim- 

 plicity 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 " foot soreness," is not of infrequent occur- 

 rence. 



Causes. — Laminitis in cattle may be caused by overfeeding, over- 

 heating, continued standing without exercise on a stone or cement 

 tloor without sufficient bedding, or by driving long distances over 

 rough or stony soil. 



Syinj)toms. — An unwillingness to maintain the standing position; 

 the animal persists in lying down. The feet will be found unnatu- 

 rally hot, and frequently some swelling may be noticed above the 

 hoof. Pressure upon the hoof with blacksmiths' hoof-pincers causes 

 pain and flinching. The general body temperature is increased and 

 the breathing accelerated. Ordinarily the animal eats and drinks. 

 "When it is made to move, excessive tenderness of the feet becomes 

 manifest, as is shown by reluctance to walk and by the very short, 

 liesitating step. Founder affects the hind as well as the fore feet, 

 although the front feet are more often exposed. 



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

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

 will often relieve the inflammation without the necessity of any 

 additional treatment. It may be well, however, to give a full dose 

 of Epsom salt, 1 to 1| pounds, followed by half-ounce doses of salt- 

 peter two or three times a day. 



SORENESS (foot SORENESS ). 



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

 been stabled or pastured on soft ground, soon wear down the soles of 

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

 reason, require to be shod. '\^Tien the soreness is excessive it may 



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