308 
B. L. CLARK. 
suppuration, gangrene and sub-aeute or chronic lamiiiitis. The 
chronic form of the disease is seen when the acute has partly 
subsided and the symptoms somewhat abated. Horses suffering 
with chronic laminitis are predisposed to the acute form. The 
pathological changes of the chronic are the descent of the os 
pedis, thus causing a convex, weak sole, and a great horny 
growth at the toe. 
Causes. —Indigestion, concussion, bad-shoeing, hereditary 
tendency, and defective conformation. It is said by some that 
horses with wide feet are more liable to the disease, but it is the 
general opinion that horses with moderately small feet, and 
weighing about twelve to thirteen hundred pounds are most 
often affected. The exciting causes are : over-exertion, concus¬ 
sion, and indigestion when caused by engorged stomach. The 
disease is generally confined to the front feet, especially when 
caused by concussion. But when caused by indigestion it may 
affect the hind feet only, or all four of the feet. 
Symptoms .—The horse is exceptionally lame and almost im¬ 
movable ; especially at starting, the whole body seems to be 
cramped. He stands with hind feet well under the body, and 
front ones advanced to relieve them from the weight as much 
as possible. If all four feet are affected he will put them nearly 
together, sway backwards and forwards, and from side to side in 
order to get the weight on the heels as much as possible, the 
toes being elevated from the ground. If compelled to move he 
elevates his feet with difficulty; he will often groan with pain 
and sweat freely in patches, while the remainder of the surface 
of the skin will be hot and dry. Temperature from 102° to 
105° F., pulse full, hard and increased in frequency, the general 
symptoms are those of agonizing pain. Appetite is somewhat 
impaired and thirst generally increased. They generally main¬ 
tain the standing position, but when they do lie down they often 
remain for some time and seem to be relieved. Cases of suppu¬ 
ration and gangrene are not very frequent owing to the anatom¬ 
ical structure of the veins of the foot. The feet will be found to 
be hot to the touch, and when tapped with the hammer the 
