PHYSIOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO LAMINITIS. 
381 
In reference to the malady we have now under notice, we 
have unmistakeable premonitory indications, if we will only 
interpret them aright. The subject which ultimately becomes 
the victim of active laminitis has nearly always exhibited 
more or less tenderness whenever he has been newly shod, 
however carefully that has been done ; but after a few days this 
has worn off, and no more has been thought about it. But 
there is one symptom deserving of great attention, and, there- 
fore, worthy of especial remark, as it will never deceive nor 
mislead us, and it is also present previous to the slightest ex- 
hibition of tenderness; namely, increased heat in the 
feet. Whether it be a case that we are treating for common 
fever, pleuritis, pneumonia, or whatever else we may have 
assumed it to be, we shall need no bandages in this case to keep 
the extremities warm . This is a certain precursor— it is the 
first distinct view we have of our hideous opponent. It has 
now become localized, has taken to itself s£ a local habita- 
tion and a name and when the system has become thus far 
out of sorts, and this undeveloped vitiated state has got such 
a hold on the constitution, it mav degenerate into active 
laminitis at any hour, whether the horse be in a state of rest 
or at work. Nor can this be at all wondered at when we 
remember that the laminae are among the most excitable 
parts of the body. If there are no unusual occurrences 
brought to bear upon the animal at this particular time, the 
pain and tenderness will come on gradually, and the laminal 
fever supervene progressively ; the active disease is creeping, 
as it were, into existence. But if just at this time he happens 
to have a little extra work, or be driven or ridden a little out 
of his usual pace, then active laminitis will declare itself with 
a determination and a force perfectly irresistible. I would 
here remark that it has sometimes occurred to my mind that 
in laminitis assuming the most active form, it partakes largely 
of the neuralgic character, which is followed by a species of 
apoplexy, and, in intense cases, after a time to some extent, 
at least, it assumes a paralytic form, and the laminae become 
effete, I have no doubt we have considerable soreness in the 
structure of the bone — os pedis — which in time changes its 
form, but all this is only a result, and not spontaneous or 
primary inflammation. If (as it does unfortunately happen 
sometimes) the horse is shod just as the disease is assuming 
its active form, he is soon after unable to get out of his stall, 
and the owner will place himself before you, and say, Now, 
sir, is it not perfectly clear your shoeing has lamed my 
horse ? Is it not self-evident to everybody? he has over strong 
shoes on ; the nails have been driven up too hard ; clenched 
xxviii. 49 
