DISEASES OF THE FEET. 24:7 



the animal backward, when it will be seen at once that he will elevate 

 his toes and throw his weight upon the heels. The pulse of lamini- 

 tis is full, strong, and accelerated. 



Treatment. — First endeavor to relieve the local inflamniatian exist- 

 ing within the feet. Mild purgatives should be given, and if the bowels 

 are torpid, injections of warm water should be administered. But 

 powerful medicines will do serious mischief, on account of the irritability 

 of the system in this disease. 



On no account give strong cathartics, especially aloes, as we should 

 avoid irritating the mucous membrane of the intestines. Give a pint 

 of linseed oil, and assist the effect with an injection or two of warm water 

 (100° F.). If there is purgation already, or if the faeces are covered 

 with mucus — a condition which indicates irritation — give no aperient. 

 In the case of diarrhoea, do not give astringents, as the purging is but 

 an effort of nature to remove the cause of irritation. Kemove the shoes 

 and rasp the wall level with the sole, so as to allow the latter structure 

 and the frog to bear the weight. On no account pare the sole. Give 

 the horse plenty of water to drink, and put him on laxative food. If 

 the pain be very excessive, give two ounces of tincture of oj^ium, but do 

 not do so if its use can be dispensed with, because it is best to keep up 

 a loose condition of the bowels. In any case give two ounces of the bi- 

 carbonate of sodium twice a day in the food, and if the fever be high, 

 with a quick, full, and hard pulse, give the following drench : 



Fleming's tincture of aconite gtt. vij. 



Water 1 pint. 



This may be repeated once or twice, with intervals of three or four 

 hours, as indicated by the pulse. The soda has a most soothing effect 

 on the mucous membrane, while the aconite is a sedative to the heart. 

 If ther^be great heat in the feet and throbbing of the plantar arteries, 

 bleed from the coronary plexus at three or four points; this may easily 

 be done by puncturing the coronet obliquely with a lancet or penknife. 

 Do not bleed from the toe, for doing so will expose the inflamed parts to 

 the action of the air, and suppuration with the formation of matter (pus) 

 may be the result. By bleeding from the coronary plexus, a local effect 

 is obtained without weakening the whole system, as would be the case 

 were the jugular vein opened. Keep the feet for a considerable time in 



