LAMINITIS, OR FOUNDER. 



441 



would strain or injure'the foot until fully over the effects of the in- 

 jury. Consequently, the horse should at first be driven Very mod- 

 erately for two or three months, or more. If the road is rough, 

 frozen, or stony, there 

 is such danger of strain- 

 i n g, "wrenching, o r 

 bruising the foot, and 

 thereby causing; a re- 

 lapse, that the horse 

 should not be driven, 

 if it can possibly be 

 avoided. 



If there is any con- 

 traction of either or 

 both quarters, there 

 should be a special ef- 

 fort to overcome this 

 also during the treat- 

 ment. (See "Shoeing.") 

 In opening the foot 

 with the spreaders, 

 great care should be 

 taken not to produce 

 any irritation. The • 



quarters should be opened gradually. When the lameness has en- 

 v tirely disappeared, bring the frog again slowly to the ground to the 

 extent it will safely bear. If any soreness is indicated, raise the 

 heel a little,- keeping the foot moist to prevent contraction ; and 

 when the soreness passes off, again gradually lower it. It is always 

 advisable to call in a veterinary surgeon if one is available. In ex- 

 treme cases a frog seton is advised. This, of course, can be at- 

 tempted only by the surgeon. 



Laminitis, or Founder. « 



Laminitis, or Founder, may be described as simply congestion 

 or inflammation in the feet. It may be severe or moderate, accord- 

 ing to the degree of disturbance. If inflammation runs high and is 

 allowed to continue, it is liable to produce so much disorganization 

 as to induce loss of the hoof, which is, however, rare ; or so much 

 change of structure in. the feet as to make the horse ultimately so 

 stiff and sore or so much of a cripple as to become practically worth- 

 less excepting for slow, easy work. This loss of substance and 

 change of structure is shown by a variety of illustrations. 



Fig. 759.— The Navicular Bone Fractured. 



