QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 255 



tinned, patient endeavors to effect a cure. Relapses are common. 

 Thrush usually responds readily to rational treatment. 



Treatment: In canker remove all diseased horn and cauterize; 

 sulphuric acid, nitrate of silver, formalin, zinc chloride and tinc- 

 ture of iodine have heen used with good results. Daily cleansing 

 is imperative. When healthy horn covers the affected parts, apply 

 a tar dressing. 



Give the causes, sjmiptoms and treatment of laminitis. 



Causes: Overwork; long-continued rest; sudden cooling of the 

 body after perspiring freely; overfeeding, especially when warm; 

 occurs as a complication of colic, influenza, parturition, and as a 

 sequel of severe purgation. 



Symptoms : Acute form appears suddenly with fever, character- 

 istic attitude with fore feet advanced and hind feet thrust forward 

 to relieve weight from the affected members. If all four feet are 

 affected, all movement is exceedingly painful. Strong pulsation is 

 noted in the plantar arteries and the feet are warm and "very tender. 

 These symptoms may disappear in from 7 to 10 days, or contiijue 

 into the chronic form. Sometimes suppuration occurs and is fol- 

 lowed by shedding of the hoof. 



Chronic form: The soles "drop" and the os pedis is displaced, 

 shown by the depression around the coronet and the convexity of the 

 sole. Seedy-toe often appears. The patient travels with the fore 

 limbs in abnormal dorsal flexion, the heels striking the ground first. 

 Rings form upon the walls of the hoof, showing the disturbed 

 nutrition of the same. 



Treatment: Acute form: Remove the shoes and supply a soft 

 bed so that the weight is supported by the soles as well as the walls. 

 Use cold applications during the first 24 hours. Give a quick-acting 

 cathartic such as arecoline and draw 6 or 8 quarts of blood if the 

 patient is plethoric. After 24 hours, use hot applications. Stand 

 the patient in a tub containing sufficient hot water to cover the 

 feet. Give one grain of arecoline daily, in divided doses of 14 grain 

 each. Feed a laxative diet. A blister around the coronet may 

 relieve the soreness. 



In case of dropped sole (chronic case), proper shoeing is the 

 only measure likely to benefit. Ah open shoe with a broad web and 

 a wall-bearing surface only is best. A bar-shoe of the same type 

 would be indicated if the wall is weak or broken away. Avoid toe- 

 clips and side-clips if their presence produces pain in the sensitive 

 structures beneath. 



