INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 267 
of a fluid that is practically incompressible. The os pedis 
must be pushed backwards. Secondly, the manner in which 
the animal distributes his weight—namely, upon the heels 
—is calculated to aid in the bone’s backward movement, 
for with his feet in this position tension upon the extensor 
pedis is relaxed, while that upon the flexor perforans is 
greatly increased. 
(c) Suppuration—Should the animal survive the pain 
and exhausting calls made upon his system by the accom- 
panying fever of the foregoing conditions, the case ends 
either in resolution or suppuration. When suppuration 
occurs it is found, as a rule, at the sole, leading to almost 
entire separation of the sensitive and horny structures. 
The pain, if possible, is even worse than in either of the 
foregoing stages, and relief for the suffering patient is only 
obtainable by the natural exit of the pus at the coronet, or 
by giving it escape with the knife at the sole. Asa rule, 
suppuration in laminitis is rare, and then only occurs when 
the disease has been of some several. days’ duration. It 
has been the author’s experience, however, to meet with it 
in a case but three days’ old. This particular animal had 
laminitis restricted to the hind-feet. The condition was 
diagnosed and pus liberated at the sole of one foot during 
the third day of the lameness. The animal was cast on 
the fourth day, and pus obtained from the sole of the 
opposite foot. 
Complications—In a moderate case, carefully treated, 
laminitis terminates at the end of three or four days in 
resolution. The general symptoms of fever gradually sub- 
side, the appetite returns, and the walk becomes easier. 
Cases thus terminating fortunately leave behind them no 
change of serious importance, either in the sensitive tissues 
or in the horny envelope. Should resolution, however, be 
longer delayed, then the case, although eventually termi- 
nating successfully so far as soundness in gait is concerned, 
leaves more or less evidence behind in the shape of rings 
about the wall and alterations in the build of the sole. 
When the happy ending of rapid resolution is denied us, 
