194 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



in many of which, inflammatory action has long ceased to exist. We also 

 find that depriving the foot of the sense of feeling, by neurotomy (p. 669), 

 does not alter the gait. 



We may reasonably conclude that in cases of sloughing or 

 shedding of the hoof in acute laminitis, the cause is inflammation 

 as a sequel to congestion. 



With respect to the fact that congestion of the mucous membrane 

 may set up acute laminitis, we should bear in mind that the mucous 

 membrane, skin, and sensitive laminge are a continuous structure, 

 and that congestion in one part is apt to spread to another part, 

 especially under the predisposing influence of want of exercise. 

 The special liability of horses' feet to suffer from the bad effects of 

 congestion, is due to the rigidity of the hoof which covers its 

 secreting membrane, and to the long time the animal remains on 

 its feet. 



Laminitis begins as congestion, and may run on into inflamma- 

 tion of the sensitive laminae. We may regard it under two forms, 

 namely: (1) caused by passive congestion (p. 14); and (2) due to 

 active congestion brought on by injury, as, for instance, concussion. 

 These varieties may be divided into acute and chronic. We may 

 look upon sub-acute laminitis as intermediate between the acute 

 and chronic forms. 



DISTINGUISHING ACUTE LAMINITIS FROM OTHER DIS- 

 EASES. — ^This affection may be mistaken for pneumonia, paralysis, 

 sprained back, disease of the kidneys, and hsemoglobinuria. Any 

 such error in diagnosis can be obviated by observing the nature 

 of the pulse, the peculiarity of the gait and of the position when 

 standing, the local symptoms of heat and tenderness in the feet, 

 and the congested state of the blood-vessels of the coronet. The 

 attempt to put weight on the heels during movement is specially 

 noticable, if the animal be forced to rein back. 



PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT.— The nature of the pulse (that 

 of high arterial tension, see page 358) clearly indicates general 

 bleeding. Our attention should evidently be directed to restore 

 the impeded circulation, and to promote repair. 



TREATMENT. — ^Cases of laminitis in which the attack is 

 slow (as those produced by long standing) are best treated dur- 

 ing their early stages, by applying evenly distributed pressure 

 below the knee or hock (according to the seat of the disease) 

 by means of cotton wadding bandages (p. 45) ; gentle exer- 

 cise a few times a day; making the animal lie down during 

 his periods of rest ; keeping him on green grass and roots ; and 

 allowing him plenty of water to drink. He should on no ac- 



