INFLAMMATORY AFFECTIONS 293 
in conjunction with removal of the excess of horn and with- 
out it, has resulted in a marked improvement in the gait, 
the animal going to work one month after the treatment, 
and remaining sound for some time afterwards. 
2. Seepy-Tor. 
Definition.—A defect in the horn of the wall, usually at 
the toe, but occurring elsewhere, resulting in loss of its 
substance in either its internal or external layers (see 
Figs. 129, 180, and 181). 
Causes.—The most common factor in the causation of 
this defect is undoubtedly disease of the sensitive lamine. 
We have, in fact, just given an excellent example of the 
formation of a seedy-toe in the sections of this chapter 
devoted to laminitis (see pp. 265 and 286). The cavity here 
formed by the outpouring of the inflammatory exudate and 
the separation of the sensitive and horny lamine persists. 
It becomes filled with the dried remains of the exudate and 
perverted secretions from the horny and sensitive lamine 
(see p. 287). As yet, however, the cavity is closed below, 
and its existence only surmised. Later, with successive 
visits to the forge, the layer of solar horn forming its floor 
is cut away, and the cavity exposed to view. Its mealy- 
looking contents are removed, and the case reported by the 
smith. 
Although occurring in this way with an acute attack of 
laminitis, it must be remembered that seedy-toe may arise 
without previous noticeable cause. The first intimation 
the owner has is a report from the forge that seedy-toe is 
in existence. To refer to cases so arising a probable cause 
is far from easy. At one time it was believed to be due to 
parasitic infection of the horn. Others have blamed the 
pressure of the toe-clip, excessive hammering of the wall, or 
pressure from nails too large or driven too close. Others, 
again, say that seedy-toe may result from a prick in the 
forge, from hot-fitting of the shoe, from standing on a dry 
and sandy soil, or from the use of high calkins on the 
front shoes. 
