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The extent to which any of the structures above the hoofs may become diseased 
by inaction involving lack of development, or by overwork of muscles, tendons and 
ligaments that have become unable to sustain severe exercise through loss of vigor, 
I am not prepared to state; but I hold an opinion that any of the defects manifested in 
the forward or hind limbs, the exact cause of which is unsettled, may be induced by a 
painful condition of the feet. The inquiry is one of so much importance that I believe it 
worthy of unprejudiced investigation, and 1 allude to it hoping that the subject may be 
taken up by some one who is well qualified and who has the time and opportunity for 
pursuing it. The diseases affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys and other internal organs 
of the horse are mostly similar to those affecting the same organs in man, and we have 
learned much and profited to a great degree from the investigations of pathologists who 
have written upon and taught so much that is valuable upon those subjects. 
The pathology of the diseases causing lameness in the horse, including the various 
phenomena attendant thereof, and the circumstances surrounding the animal’s useful¬ 
ness and existence, differ in many respects from similar conditions affecting man. 
The structures involved are different in kind, and have different requirements to 
fulfil, are differently located and subjected to vicissitudes and casualties, the diseases 
themselves are, sui genevis. Consequently but little knowledge can be gleaned from 
works on human surgery, relating to or helping our diagnosis, or treatment of such 
cases, and the veterinarian is to an extent thrown upon his own resources for obtaining 
information respecting these matters. For this and for many other urgent reasons, in¬ 
vestigation and study of cause and effect, in all the diseases affecting the sound condition 
of the feet and limbs, should be intelligently and unceasingly continued. 
One of the objects aimed at in writing this paper is to provoke discussion, and I 
hope a full expression and interchange of ideas will occur in consequence of its depart¬ 
ure from the ordinary routine of teachings, on matters to which allusion has been 
made. 
