194 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



Laminitis begins as congestion, and may run on into inflamma- 

 tion of the sensitive laminae. It may be regarded under two 

 forms, namely : (1) caused by passive congestion (p. 14) ; and 

 (2) due to active congestion brought on by injury, as, for instance, 

 concussion. These varieties may be divided into acute and chronic. 

 Sub-acute laminitis is intermediate between the acute and chronic 

 forms. 



DISTINGUISHING ACUTi: LAMINITIS FROM OTHER DIS- 

 EASES. — This affection may be mistaken for pneumonia, paralysis, 

 sprained back, disease of the kidneys, and hsemoglobinuria. Any 

 such error in diagnosis can be obviated by observing the nature 

 of the pulse, the peculiarity of the gait and of the position when 

 standing, the local symptoms of heat and tenderness in the feet, 

 and the congested state of the blood-vessels of the coronet. The 

 attempt to put weight on the heels during movement is specially 

 noticeable, if the animal be forced to rein back. 



PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT.— The nature of the pulse (that 

 of high arterial tension, see page 354) clearly indicates general 

 bleeding. Attention should evidently be directed to restore the 

 impeded circulation, and to promote repair. 



TREATMENT. — Cases of laminitis in which the attack is slow 

 (as those produced by long standing) are best treated during their 

 early stages, by applying evenly distributed pressure below the 

 knee or hock (according to the seat of the disease) by means of 

 cotton wadding bandages (p. 44) ; gentle exercise a few times a 

 day ; making the animal lie down during his periods of rest ; 

 keeping him on green grass and roots ; and allowing him plenty 

 of water to drink. He should on no account be given any corn. 

 If he is in any way constipated or ,even if his dung is in a 

 natural condition, it would, as a rule, be well to give him a pint 

 of linseed oil, and to assist the effect of this mild laxative with 

 an enema (p. 643) or two of a gallon of lukewarm water. If 

 diarrhoea is present, he should get neither a purgative nor an 

 astringent. The shoes should be removed, and if the wall is 

 high, it should be lowered, so as to put pressure on the sole and 

 frog; but the sole should on no account be pared. Three or four 

 ounces of bicarbonate of soda may be given daily with advantage 

 in bran mashes, supposing that green food is not available, or in 

 the drinking water, or in two or three drenches. 



The treatment of a severe attack, whether it comes on suddenly, 

 or is the result of neglect, is generally very unsatisfactory; hence 

 the difference in the views which are entertained respecting its 



