ERGOTISM 
I 
277 
what subsides and remains so until immediately before casting 
the hoof, when the animal can scarcely be induced to move. 
However, as soon as the old horn is cast they rapidly regain 
their wonted vigor. In milch cows the secretion of milk is 
usually suspended. 
There is undoubtedly a great deal of difference in these 
symptoms compared with those observed by Prof. Salmon dur¬ 
ing the outbreak in Kansas; but we must not forget that the 
disease manifested itself there at a time when the weather was 
very cold, and I think that cold has a tendency to aggravate 
the symptoms. Further, we must remember that insufficient 
doses or a poor quality of the agent in question would modify 
the symptoms very much. 
The treatment I have found most beneficial is a radical 
change of diet, fomentations of the feet for the purpose of 
allaying the primary inflammation, then blistering the coronets 
to stimulate the growth of new horn. 
In the course of my experience I have never known an 
animal to be permanently injured by the malady. On the con¬ 
trary, I know of several horses that were accidentally ergotized 
by the use of the hay in question, who had been sufferers from 
contracted feet and corns, and who, when recovered from the 
effects of the ergoted hay, had very good and well-shaped 
feet. And I think that, perhaps, the fodder which has proved 
so baneful to many innocent victims might be turned to 
good account in the treatment of seedy-toe and other diseases 
afflicting the horny structure. This is a point I hope will be 
discussed. 
Before closing I wish to relate an instance of a mare with 
foal in utero. The mare became afflicted with ergotism, but 
carried her foal full time. When born, however, it was 
without any horny covering to the feet, except a narrow band 
of apparent new growth at the coronets. The foal lived and 
thrived for a few days, but the owner, thinking him a hope¬ 
less case, destroyed him. This I regretted very much, as 1 
think the growth of horn over the apparently withered parts 
would have proved interesting and instructive. 
Thanking you for your kind attention, I hope a useful dis¬ 
cussion may follow. 
