THE HORSE'S FOOT 
323 
that they give rise to an access of furious vertigo. But pains, 
even when of an exaggerated degree, indicate simply the pres¬ 
ence of the exudative form of laminitis. It is not a positive 
sign; the foot must be explored at the toe, where, in the vacuum 
which exists between the horny lamellae is found, more or less 
abundantly, a citrine serosity of a slightly reddish color. Some¬ 
times this serosity oozes between the hair and the hoof, in conse¬ 
quence of the separation of the tissues at the coronary band, and 
appears in the form of a thin, reddish foam, about the band 
itself. 
c. —Suppuration between the wall and the podophyllous tis¬ 
sue is a complication more rare than the others, but which, how¬ 
ever, has been observed, especially when laminitis is traumatic. 
We have seen it appear under the sole and separate it entirely 
from the tissues underneath. In these cases, the pain is always 
very great, and the living structures are pressed beyond measure. 
Standing is impossible, and the animal continues lying down, or, 
under the influence of the pains, constantly moving from one leg 
to another, balancing himself, so to speak. There is no relief for 
him until the suppuration has shown itself between hair and hoof, 
when it oozes outward at the coronet. Relief, however, may also 
be obtained by making an opening at the toe with the drawing- 
knife. This complication often results in the entire separation 
and dropping off of the hoof. Cases have been observed when 
this accident has taken place as early as the third day (Lafosse, 
Stanley.) Gillmeyer has seen a new foot grow out entirely, but 
this requires a long time. 
d. —Gangrene of the sub-horny tissues sometimes takes place, 
though seldom, under the influence of the excessive pressure, es¬ 
pecially when there is sub-horny exudation. The violent pains 
then cease suddenly; the resting becomes more solid; the move¬ 
ments take place without difficulty. But at the same time, the 
physiognomy of the patient becomes anxious and contracted; the 
pulse becomes small and difficult to count; the temperature of 
the body diminishes; the animal has a trembling gait; is indiffer¬ 
ent to any excitement; he is prostrated, and soon he ends by sep¬ 
ticemia. The hoof then often drops off, and the sub-horny tis- 
