DISEASES. 685 



the separation is limited to the height of the podophyllous tissue, 

 and the wall yet remains adherent to the coronary band, by its 

 cutigeral cavity. The band then continues to produce the ex- 

 ternal waU of the hoof, while the podophyllous produces the 

 abnormal wall, and the seedy toe remains between the two walls. 

 There are cases where the separation, produced by the con- 

 gestion of laminitis, takes place to such an extent, in circumfer- 

 ence or in height, that the hoof loses all its adhesion, except 

 toward the heels ; and then one may see the curious fact of the 

 new generation of an entire new nail within the old one, the for- 

 mer being, so to speak, sequestered in the latter. 



IV. Differential Diagnosis. — It is possible that, notwith- 

 standing its distinctly characterized physiognomy, laminitis, of 

 the hind feet especially, may be mistaken for a disease of the 

 spinal region. Often, when the founder is Ught, the hinder parts 

 wag, as in sprains of the loins, but the resting of the feet on the 

 heels, their heat and their sensibility, will soon point out the dis- 

 tinction. In more severe cases, the hinder founder may stimu- 

 late paralysis, especially if the animals cannot or will not raise 

 themselves. Here the history of the case is very useful, and the 

 explorations of the feet wUl assist in making the diagnosis. We 

 have seen cases of laminitis behind, where the raising of the foot 

 has been such that it might be taken for springhalt, or even for 

 locomotor ataxy. It may be also taken for tetanus when in mild 

 form, or yet incompletely characterized. 



V. Prognosis. — Laminitis is so much more alarming and re- 

 bellious as to treatment, as it is more extensive, more serious, and 

 of longer existence. The most serious cases are those which are 

 due to a constitutional predisposition, and those which follow a 

 general alteration, or are complicated with other diseases. 



Chronic laminitis is especially serious from the production 

 without separation, and in an excessive measure, of the horny 

 substance. Seedy toe is then less serious, and that which does 

 not extend to the coronary band is sometimes curable by the 

 gradual growth of the hoof; the tumor of the os pedis is the 

 most rebellious to treatment. The destruction of patients is often 

 necessary, from their inability to walk or to do any work, and 

 that notwithstanding aU treatment they are entirely useless. 



VI. Etiology. — Laminitis has been attributed to many and 

 the most varied causes, and, among others, has now been ascribed 



