82 
LAMINITIS AND ITS TllEATxMENT. 
mucli from anything novel to be found in the pathology of 
the malady^ as from the very rational and successful method 
of treatment pursued and recommended. From the frequency 
of the disease^ especially among army horses during active 
service; its intense painfulness; and the serious consequences 
that only too often succeed the more acute inflammatory 
stage; any mode of treatment that promises better success 
than that attending the usual routine in such caseS; deserves 
to be investigated; and; if found satisfactory; adopted. There 
can be no doubt whatever as to the nature of laminitis. 
From its commencement to its termination; in its early and 
late effects; it is an inflammatory disease; terminating like 
all other inflammatory affections; in resolution; or inducing 
changes in structure and organization; such as we see developed 
elsewhere; as a consequence of acute or chronic inflammation. 
The principal causes of the malady have been enumerated 
by Mr. Broad. So far as my observation extends; I am con¬ 
fident in asserting that improper shoeing; the barbarous cus¬ 
tom of mutilating the sole and frog of the foot; and throwing 
the whole weight and strain on the wall and laminae; are the 
chief excitants. 
The treatment hitherto followed to subdue the inflamma¬ 
tory condition of the laminae has been most irrational; and 
doubtless haS; in the great majority of caseS; brought about 
the very disastrous results sought to be averted. Paring the 
soles until only a thin pellicle of horn remained to protect 
the sensitive and vascular tissues beneath; and inflicting a 
large wound at their margin; already in a state of abnormal 
excitement; would not; to those who understand the functions 
of the horse^s foot, appear a very likely mode of subduing 
the inflammation promptly; or preventing untoward sequelae; 
but must; on the contrary; rather aggravate the one and 
favour the others. Such has been my opinion for several 
yearS; and I have been strongly confirmed in it by seeing the 
comparatively great number of horses in the public streets; 
suffering more or less from the chronic form into which the 
acute stages subside; when improperly or imperfectly treated; 
and which the faulty shoeing maintains. 
One of the most prominent features in Mr. Broad^s system 
of treatment; and the one to which I think his success is 
greatly due; is the abstention from paring the soles and 
bleeding at the toes. Both of these practices arc eminently 
injurious; and even destructive; and why they were ever 
adopted and practised for so many years is a mystery to mO; 
seeing that from no possible point of view can they be 
justified. 
