413 



false ringbones. But when the tumors form on tlie whole circumfer- 

 ence of the ankle, or simply in front nnder the extensor tendon, or 

 behind under the flexor tendons; or if they involve the joints between 

 the two pastern bones, or between the small pastern and the coffin 

 bone, the lameness is always severe. These constitute the true ring- 

 bone. Besides the lameness the ankle of the affected limb presents 

 more or less heat, and in many instances a rather firm, though limited, 

 swelling of the deeper tissues over the seat of the inflammatory proc- 

 ess. The lameness of ringbone is characteristic in that the heel is 

 first placed on tlie ground when tlie disease is in a fore leg, and the 

 ankle is kept as rigid as possible. In the hind leg, however, the toe 

 strikes the ground first when the ringbone is high on the ankle, just 

 as in health; but the ankle is maintained in a rigid position. If the 

 bony growth is under the front tendon of the hind leg, or if it involves 

 the coffin joint, the heel is brought to the ground first. In the early 

 stages of the disease it is not always easy to diagnose ringbone; but 

 when the deposits have reached some size they can be felt and seen as 

 well. 



The importance of a ringbone of course depends on its seat, and 

 often on its size. If it interferes with the joints, or with the tendons, 

 it maj^ cause an incurable lameness even though small. If it is on 

 the sides of the large pastern, the lameness generallj^ disappears as 

 soon as the tumor has reached its growth and the inflammation sub- 

 sides. Even where the pastern joint is involved, if comj)lete anchy- 

 losis results, the patient may recover from the lameness with simply 

 an imjierfect action of the foot remaining, due to the stiff joint. 



Treatment. — Before the bony growth has commenced the inflam- 

 matory process may be cut short by the use of cold baths and wet 

 bandages, followed by one or more blisters. If the bony deposits 

 have begun, the firing iron should always be used. Even where the 

 tumors are large and the pastern joint involved, firing often hastens 

 the process of anchylosis, and should always be tried. 



Where the lower joint is involved, or Avhere the tumor interferes 

 with the action of the tendons, of course recovery is not to be expected. 

 In many of these latter cases, however, the animal may be made serv- 

 iceable by proper shoeing. If the patient walks with the toe on the 

 ground the foot should be sliod with a high-heeled shoe and a short 

 toe. On the other hand, if he walks on the heel a thick-toed and 

 thin-heeled shoe must be worn. 



Since ringbone is considered to be one of the hereditary diseases no 

 animal suffering from this trouble should ever be used for breeding 

 purposes. 



LAMINITIS. 



By what term this disease was first known to man is a question 

 unanswerable. During many years in the recent past, and before an 



