LAMINITIS. 



405 



This descent of the frog is a very 

 marked feature in laminitis, and 

 whenever it is apparent that dis- 

 ease may be suspected. 



But to produce such a 

 marked alteration of form 

 as is here delineated and- de- 

 scribed takes a long time, and 

 even then it is only in a few 

 cases that the disease reaches to 

 this stage. It will, therefore, be 

 necessary to trace its progress from 

 the commencement, and the effects 

 which are exhibited as it goes on. 



When acute laminitis sets 



in, there is a considerable amount F10.19.— section ofthe foot in confirm™ 



of fever, indicated by a rapid r,.,, im- 



pulse, usually full and hard, and 2. Os coronas. 

 humed respiration. There is a |; ScuT/bone. 

 general look of restlessness from «• *'rog. 

 pain, the horse stamping gently 7! Waii or crust greatly thickened. 

 with his feet, and constantly 



lying down and then getting up again. When, as usually happens, 

 the fore feet only are affected, the hind feet are brought under the 

 body to bear as much weight as possible, and the fore feet are so 

 carried forwards that the heels support the legs rather than the 

 toes. On examining the feet, there is great reluctance to allow 

 one to be picked up, on account of the necessity which is thrown 

 upon the other of taking the whole weight of the fore quarter. 

 The coronet and hoof feel very hot, and, when wetted, may be seen 

 to steam very perceptibly. If this state of things is not speedily 

 stopped, the laminae cease to secrete horn, and the connection be- 

 tween them and the hoof ceases, causing the latter to separate, and 

 the sensible parts to be exposed, covered with a thin scaly horn. 

 This has happened in many cases which have afterwards secreted 

 new hoofs ; but the horn is not so strong and useful as before, and a 

 horse with such feet is not fit for hard work on the road. If propel 

 treatment is adopted, the inflammation either subsides entirely, 

 leaving no mischief behind it, or there is a chronic inflammation 

 left which induces the alterations of structure which have been 

 alluded to. The treatment should be by first removing the shoes, 

 and then, after paring down the sole so as to allow of the expansion 

 of the sensible parts, a large quantity of blood is taken from the 

 toe, making 6ure that a vessel of sufficient size is opened to produce 

 a strong shock on the heart and arteries, as well as to relieve the 

 local affection. If the blood does not flow freely, the foot may bo 



