774 
DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 
occur, as the hoof is continually covered with dirt containing septic sub¬ 
stances. The course and consequences of the inflammation depend 
chiefly on the virulence of these organisms. 
Diagnosis. The presence of acute inflammation of the sensitive wall 
or sole may often be detected by the peculiar action of the lame leg. As 
pressure within the hoof is increased when weight is thrown on the limb, 
lameness is most marked during movement, especially over stones, though 
in the stall the foot is often rested. 
The foot must be carefully examined to detect deformities or fissures 
in the horn. (The manner of conducting this examination is fully 
described in Dollar and Wheatley’s “ Horse-shoeing and the Horse’s 
Foot,” p. 318.) Palpation will detect increased warmth and pain. 
Amongst indirect symptoms, increased pulsation and oedema in the 
lower parts of the limb are particularly noteworthy, 
Prognosis. The degree of danger depends chiefly on the position and 
character of the inflammation. Whilst pododermatitis superficialis only 
proves dangerous in the region of the bars, whence it may seize on the 
fibro-fatty frog, and in general yields readily to treatment, parenchymatous 
inflammation often leads to severe complications. Any disease affecting 
the posterior portions of the hoof is apt to prove serious, because of the 
readiness with which diffuse cellulitis occurs in this region, and of the 
frequency with which it is succeeded by quittor formation, disease of the 
fibro-fatty frog, tendon sheath, or flexor pedis perforans tendon. Other 
things being equal, injuries to the hind are more serious than those to 
the front feet, because the hind limbs sustain more weight and can less 
easily be rested, and also because they perform a more important function 
than do the front— i.e., they not only support, but also propel the body. 
Injuries of the feet are also less important in heavy than in light horses, 
because the former can often be made serviceable at a walking pace, 
though unable to trot sound. 
As in many instances it is impossible to discover the extent or character 
of the process, the prognosis must be based on indirect indications. The 
principal of these are the degree and duration of the pain. As a rule, 
the more stubborn and severe the lameness the graver the prognosis, 
especially when no direct cause is apparent, as, for example, when there 
is no protrusion of soft tissues. Necrosis and purulent cellulitis of the 
fibro-fatty frog or subcoronary connective tissue are exceedingly dangerous. 
The condition is also very grave when laminitis results from continuous 
standing on the opposite foot. Increase in pain, especially when of a 
lancinating character, inability to stand on the affected foot, and a rising 
temperature indicate grave complications, like suppuration, gangrene, 
necrosis or caries. 
Treatment. Although treatment follows general principles, yet in 
