350 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICENE AND SURGERY. 
sand. The whole surface of these articulations measures fout 
square feet; hence, the horse having four feet, his body rests on 
sixteen square feet of surface, all contained within his hocfs. 
The reader will probably realize that a knowledge of the ana 
omy and physiology of the foot is absolutely necessary, in srde 
to practice, with any degree of success, the art of shoeing. How 
is this knowledge to be obtained? Can it be furnished st the 
forge, in the blacksmith shop? Can such a complicated piece of 
mechanism be thoroughly understood by the craftsmen of the 
forge, who have never made the subject one of scientific inquiry ? 
Let it not be understood that I am in a fault-finding mood. 
The fact is, the husbandmen of this country have failed to put 
their shoulders to the wheel for the purpose of establishing and 
endowing veterinary schools in this country, and if blacksmithr 
and “vets” do not understand the anatomy of horses feet, the for 
mer, who have vast interests at stake, must come in fora share of 
the blame. On the other hand, we are disposed to be charitable 
toward blacksmiths; and, taking into consideration the unyielding 
nature of our paved streets, and the rough ground over which 
some poor animals are forced to travel, the wonder is, that their 
feet are not oftener diseased. 
LAMINITIS (“ FEVER IN THE FEET,” on “ FEET FouNDER”). 
Lawinitis, or fever in the feet, is an acute affection, confined to 
the sensitive tissues within the hoof. It is one of the most pain. 
ful maladies to which the horse is subject. 
Symptoms.—It manifests itself, very frequently, after a long 
drive or race. The horse may be put into the stable at night all 
right. In the morning he is observed to be all in a heap, as the 
saying is—his flesh quivering, pulse very active, respirations quick 
and jerking; the flanks are tucked up, the back is roached, and the 
fore-feet are sent forward, so that the animal treads on his heels; 
and, when compelled to move, he endeavors to throw the weight 
of his body on the hind legs, He is thirsty and feverish, but has 
no appetite. All appearances about him indicate that he suffers 
great pain. When a hand is placed upon the fore-feet, they feel 
unnaturally hot. Such are the most prominent symptoms of 
laminitis, or fever in the feet. 
