INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 279 



Fig. 121) in such a manner as to entirely isolate the two 

 pieces of horn a and b from the remainder of the hoof. 



Expansion of the horny box is thus brought about, while 

 at the same time the semicircular groove at the toe is made 

 deep enough to allow of the escape of the exudate. 



If thought wise by the operator, the two pieces of horn 

 a and b may be isolated, and the exudate given exit by 

 making the fourth groove in the position of the dotted 

 lines in Fig. 120 — that is to say, at the lowermost portion 

 of the sensitive structures. By this means the sole will be 

 left intact. 



Fig. 121. — Lower Surface of Foot showing position of the 

 Grooves made in the Treatment of Laminitis, 



Fuller instruction for making the grooves and the instru- 

 ments required will be found described in Section C of 

 Chapter X. 



The animal should be afterwards shod, and the bearing 

 on the portions a and b of the wall removed. Almost 

 immediate relief is afforded the patient. 



Recorded Cases. — 1. 'On the evening of September 28 

 last, I was called rather hurriedly to attend a posting-horse 

 which had just arrived from a twenty-one miles' journey, 

 and was said to be " very ill." I lost no time in proceeding 

 to the spot, and found my patient " very ill" indeed. No 



