376 SUBACUTE LAMINITIS. 
or shortly after the application of the exciting cause; subacute laminitis 
approaches so gradually that it is often present some days before its 
existence is discovered. Fourthly, acute laminitis is marked by great 
suffering and accompanied by raging fever; in subacute laminitis fever 
is not to be detected, and the mode of progression alone indicates suffer- 
ing. Fifthly, acute laminitis may terminate in metastasis, suppuration, 
and mortification; in subacute laminitis neither of these issues is to be 
dreaded, for, if we do not succeed in producing resolution, dropping of 
the coffin-bone is the customary ending to the disorder.” 
The above, quoted from memory, presents a graphic contrast and an 
admirable portrait of the disorder. It is so eloquent in its brevity that 
it leaves nothing to be added; therefore the author will at once proceed 
to state his views of the subject. 
Subacute laminitis is always first noticed in the manner of progress- 
ing. The master complains that the horse has become slower; that the 
whip has lost influence over the body; and that the animal, when pro- 
gressing, appears to jolt more than usual. This last observation indi- 
cates the kind of horses to which subacute laminitis is principally con- 
fined. Acute laminitis is almost the property of fast saddle-horses; the 
subacute variety more especially belongs to harness-horses. The author 
THE MANNER OF PROGRESSING WHEN SUFFERING UNDER SUBACUTE LAMINITIS. 
has lately seen specimens of the subacute disease tugging those vehicles 
which were once fashionable and which were called “cabriolets.” The 
animal suffering this disorder endeavors to bring the heels only to the 
ground. Allits fumbling gait, its supposed sluggishness, and want of 
appreciation for the whip are to be attributed to this desire—to take the 
weight as much as possible from the seat of agony. 
The success of treatment, in a great measure, depends upon the disor- 
der being early detected. Get the horse immediately into slings, as was 
directed for acute laminitis, and proceed in the same manner with the 
