418 



Paring of the soles presents two objections. First, while it may 

 temporarily relieve the pain by relieving pressure, it at the same time 

 allows of greater exudation, which may more than counterbalance the 

 good effects. Secondly, it makes the feet tender and subject to bruises 

 when the animal again goes to work. The shoes should be replaced when 

 convalescence sets in and the animal is ready to take exercise. Exer- 

 cise should never be enforced until the inflammation has subsided, for 

 although it temporarily relieves the paiu and soreness, it serves to main- 

 tain continued irritation, increases the exudation, and prolongs the 

 recovery. 



If, at the end of the fifth or sixth day, prominent symptoms of re- 

 covery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of cantharides around the 

 coronet and omit the niter for about forty-eight hours. As soon as the 

 blister has drawn well the feet may again receive wet swabs. If one 

 blister does not suffice to remove the soreness, as is the case some- 

 times, especially where i^eriostftis is present, it may be repeated, or the 

 actual cautery applied. The same treatment should be adopted where 

 side bones form or inflammation of the coronet bone ensues. When the 

 sole breaks through and exposes the coffin bone and soft tissues, the 

 feet must be carefully shod with thin heels and thick toes where there 

 is any tendency to walking on th<s heels, and the sole well protected 

 with appropriate dressing and pressure over the exposed parts. When 

 there is turning up of the toe, blistering of the coronet m front, care- 

 fully avoiding the quarters and heels, sometimes stimulates the growth 

 of horn, but as a rule judicious shoeing is the only treatment that will 

 keep the animal in a condition to do light, slow work. 



Where suppuration of the lamince is profuse it is better to destroy 

 your patient at once and relieve his suffering, but if the suppuration is 

 limited to a small extent of tissue, especially of the sole, treatment as 

 in acute cases may induce recovery and should always be tried. If 

 from bed-sores or other causes septicemia or pyaemia is 'feared, the 

 bisulphite of soda in half-ounce doses may be given in conjunction 

 with tonics and other treatment indicated in these diseases. Regard- 

 ing enforced recumbency I doubt the propriety of iuMsting on it in 

 the majority of cases, for I think as a rule the animal assumes what- 

 ever position gives comfort. There can be no doubt that recumbency 

 diminishes the amount of blood sent to the feet, and that the suffering 

 is greatly relieved while in this position, so that the experiment of 

 forcing the patient to lie down may be tried, yet should not be renewed 

 if it thereafter i^ersists in standing. 



Where the animal stands, or where constant lying indicates it, to pre- 

 vent extensive sores the patient should be placed in slings, and the 

 weight supported in this manner to the relief of the feet. When all 

 four feet are affected it may be impossible to use slings, for the reason 

 that the patient refuses to support any of his weight on his feet and sim- 

 ply hangs in them. Lastly, convalescent cases must not be returned 

 to work too early, else permanent recovery may never be effected. 



