INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 293 



in conjunction with removal of the excess of horn and with- 

 out it, has resulted in a marked improvement in the gait, 

 the animal going to work one month after the treatment, 

 and remaining sound for some time afterwards. 



2. Seedy-Toe. 



Definition. — A defect in the horn of the wall, usually at 

 the toe, but occurring elsewhere, resulting in loss of its 

 substance in either its internal or external layers (see 

 Figs. 129, 130, and 131). 



Causes. — The most common factor in the causation of 

 this defect is undoubtedly disease of the sensitive laminte. 

 We have, in fact, just given an excellent example of the 

 formation of a seedy-toe in the sections of this chapter 

 devoted to laminitis (see pp. 265 and 286). The cavity here 

 formed by the outpouring of the inflammatory exudate and 

 the separation of the sensitive and horny laminae persists. 

 It becomes tilled with the dried remains of the exudate and 

 perverted secretions from the horny and sensitive laminae 

 (see p. 287). As yet, however, the cavity is closed below, 

 and its existence only surmised. Later, with successive 

 visits to the forge, the layer of solar horn forming its floor 

 is cut away, and the cavity exposed to view. Its mealy- 

 looking contents are removed, and the case reported by the 

 smith. 



Although occurring in this way with an acute attack of 

 laminitis, it must be remembered that seedy-toe may arise 

 without previous noticeable cause. The first intimation 

 the owner has is a report from the forge that seedy-toe is 

 in existence. To refer to cases so arising a probable cause 

 is far from easy. At one time it was believed to be due to 

 parasitic infection of the horn. Others have blamed the 

 pressure of the toe-clip, excessive hammering of the wall, or 

 pressure from nails too large or driven too close. Others, 

 again, say that seedy-toe may result from a prick in the 

 forge, from hot-fitting of the shoe, from standing on a dry 

 and sandy soil, or from the use of high calkins on the 

 front shoes. 



