INFLAMMATION OF THE SUBCORONARY CONNECTIVE TISSUE. 789 
large vessels of the coronary venous plexus (see fig. 296) particularly 
favour the development of pyaemia. Purulent inflammation of the pedal- 
joint, produced by extension of the cellulitis, is a frequent complication. 
Its onset is characterised by increase of pain; and if inflammation had 
not previously extended beyond one-half of the hoof, by the swelling 
involving the entire coronet; fever is a constant symptom, though in 
some cases it may even precede this condition. 
Resolution is comparatively rare, and recovery, after perforation of 
the abscesses, still more so, though it has once or twice been seen. 
The inflammation scarcely ever affects the fibro-fatty frog, though it 
may attack the connective tissue above the coronet, producing necrosis 
of the fascia at this point, and leading to chronic suppuration and 
formation of sinuses. 
The prognosis is generally unfavourable, so that it is only advisable 
to treat animals of considerable value. On the other hand, recovery is 
not impossible, even when pain is severe, for sudden improvement 
sometimes occurs when the abscesses break. 
Treatment. To prevent complications, all injuries of the coronet and 
its neighbourhood in which the skin is perforated, should if possible be 
treated antiseptically. Surface injuries are rarely dangerous. Treads 
on the coronet, especially when near the hoof, require particular care to 
avoid purulent inflammation. 
If cellulitis has already appeared, dispersal will be favoured by warm 
baths, to which it is well to add some antiseptic. The appearance of 
distinct fluctuation should be the sign for immediately opening the 
abscess, though considerable bleeding must be expected, and almost 
always occurs. After discharge of the pus, which is almost always 
blood-stained or decomposed, the cavity should be washed out with a 
disinfectant, and tampons inserted to check bleeding. The tampons can 
be kept in position for twenty-four hours by a bandage, the pressure of 
which will increase their styptic action, but care must be taken not to 
apply it so tightly as to produce necrosis. For the next few days the 
abscess. cavity must be repeatedly and carefully syringed with disin¬ 
fectants, and precautions taken against retention of pus ; it may even 
be necessary to insert a drainage-tube. 
As the condition is painful, a good straw bed should be given, for 
there is less risk of laminitis occurring in the other foot, and hence less 
danger of a fatal termination from decubitus when the animal takes 
regular rest. 
