DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 



By M. R. Trtjmbower, D. V. S. 



[Revised in 1904 by Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D.] 

 LAMINITIS (FOUNDER). 



Laminitis denotes an active inflammation of the sensitive structures 

 within the wall of the hoof, which may in severe cases result in sup- 

 puration and the ]oss of one or more claws. Owing to the simplicity 

 of the structure of the foot of the ox compared with that of the horse, 

 this disease is rarely seen in an acute form, but a mild form, commonly 

 called "foot soreness," is not of infrequent occurrence. 



Causes. — Laminitis in cattle may be caused by overfeeding, over- 

 heating, continued standing without exercise on a stone or cement 

 floor without sufficient bedding, or by driving long distances over 

 rough or stony soil. 



Symptoms. — An unwillingness to maintain the standing position; 

 the animal persists in lying down. The feet will be found unnaturally 

 hot, and frequently some swelling may be noticed above the hoof. 

 Pressure upon the hoof with blacksmiths' hoof -pincers causes pain 

 and flinching. The general body temperature is increased and the 

 breathing accelerated Ordinarily the animal eats and drinks . When 

 it is made to move ex essive tenderness of the feet becomes manifest, 

 as is shown by reluc+ance to walk and by the very short, hesitating 

 step. Founder affects the hind as well as the fore feet, although the 

 front feet are more often exposed. 



Treatment. — Cold packs to the feet, or if the animal can be made to 

 stand in a stream of running water, having a soft bottom, this will 

 often relieve the inflammation without the necessity of any additional 

 treatment. It may be well, however, to give a full dose of Epsom 

 salts, 1 to H pounds, followed by half -ounce doses of saltpeter two or 

 three times a day. 



SORENESS (FOOT SORENESS). 



Cattle that are driven over stony roads, especially such as have 

 been stabled or pastured on soft ground, soon wear down the soles of 

 their feet and become lame from foot soreness. Draft oxen, for this 

 reason, require to be shod. When the soreness is excessive it may 

 develop into an active inflammation of all the sensitive structures of 

 the foot — laminitis, or into a local bruise commonly called a "corn." 



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