INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINJE. 269 



When it is recollected that the laminae, which 

 connect the hoof to the coffin-bone, have chiefly to 

 sustain the violent concussion to which the feet are 

 exposed when in rapid action ; it will not appear sur- 

 prising that intense inflammation of these parts some- 

 times ensues. Besides this, there is no structure in 

 the body of the horse so exposed to other causes of 

 inflammation as the foot. After the animal has been 

 ridden far and fast, while he is reeking hot, he is oc- 

 casionally plunged up to his belly in the nearest pond 

 or river. Almost every groom immediately washes 

 the feet of his horse ; while very few of them will take 

 the pains carefully to dry the dripping members. 

 What is so likely to follow as inflammation ? A horse 

 may have been travelling many a mile up to his 

 coronets in snow; and when he arrives at his journey's 

 end, instead of having the warmth gradually restored 

 to his feet by half an hour's good hand-rubbing, he is 

 put up to his knees in straw ; or his legs are immersed 

 in warm water. Is it not reasonable to expect that 

 fever in the feet will follow this sudden change of 

 temperature ? In other cases, there may be a meta- 

 stasis or change in the place of inflammation : the 

 animal is recovering from inflammation of the lungs, 

 and suddenly the feet are attacked, and that without 

 any fault of the Surgeon or of the groom. 



Inflammation of the laminae can scarcely be mis- 

 taken. The horse is continually shifting his posture ; 

 yet without any violent action. The feet are constantly 

 moving; but they are moved as gently as possible. 

 When the hand is passed down to them, the heat of 

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