INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 287 
scalpel, removes from the opening a dry detritus. This 
is composed of the solid constituents of the escaped blood, 
the dried remains of the inflammatory exudate, and broken- 
down fragments of cheesy-looking horn. The size to which 
the cavity may sometimes extend is illustrated in Fig. 124. 
The thickened horny lamine forming the anterior boundary 
of the cavity are here depicted, together with commencing 
perforation of the horny sole by the os pedis. It is this 
cavity which, when opened at the bottom and discharging 
its mealy-looking contents, is known as seedy-toe, for a 
further description of which see p. 293. 
The lameness occurring with chronic laminitis does not 
always persist. As time goes on the sensitive structures 
accommodate themselves to the altered form and con- 
ditions of the horny box. In certain situations—namely, 
where pressure is greatest—the softer structures become 
atrophied, and sometimes even wholly destroyed ; while in 
other positions the changes in form of the hoof tend to 
increase in size of its interior, with a consequent diminu- 
tion of pressure upon, and increased growth of the struc- 
tures within it. 
Pathological Anatomy.—In detailing the changes to be 
observed in chronic laminitis, we take up the description 
where we left it when dealing with the pathological anatomy 
of the acute form. The alterations to be met with are best 
observed by taking a foot so diseased and making of it two 
sections—one longitudinal, from before backwards; the 
other horizontal, and in such a position as to cut the os 
pedis through at its centre. 
These sections will expose to view the cavity formed by 
the pouring out of the exudate, and its full extent may be 
noticed by examining the sections alternately. Taking the 
horizontal section first, it will be seen that the hollow space 
extends wholly round the toe, and as far back as the com- 
mencement of the quarters. In the latter position one is 
able to observe lamine still in their normal positions, and 
condition. At the toe, however, the horny and secretive 
lamin are widely separated, and the space between them 
