ired function of
secretion result in the production of a horn deficient in elasticity,
somewhat spongy in character, and inclined to crumble. In some cases of
"soreness" in horses used to hard or fast work there is evident weakness
of the coats of the vessels, brought on by repeated functional
exhaustion. Here slight work brings on congestion, which results in
serous effusion and temporary symptoms similar to those of chronic
laminitis.

_Complications._--Complications concurrent with or supervening upon
laminitis are frequent and varied, and are often dependent upon causes
not fully understood.

_Excessive purgation_ is one of the simplest of these, and not usually
attended with dangerous consequences. It rarely occurs unless induced by
a purgative, and the excessive action of the medicine is probably to be
explained upon the theory that the mucous membrane sympathizes with the
diseased laminae, is irritable, and readily becomes overexcited. The
discharges are thin and watery, sometimes offensively odorous, and
occasionally persist in spite of treatment. It may prove disastrous to
the welfare of the patient by the rapid exhaustion which it causes,
preventing resolution of the laminitis, and may even cause death.

_Septicemia and pyemia._--Septicemia and pyemia are unusual
complications and are seen only in the most severe cases in which bed
sores are present or suppuration of the laminae results. They die, as a
rule, within three days after showing signs of the complication.

_Pneumonia._--the so-called metastatic--needs no special consideration,
for in its lesions and symptoms it does not differ from ordinary
pneumonia, although it may be overlooked entirely by the practitioner.
Examinations of the chest should be made every day, so as to detect the
disease at its onset and render proper aid.

_Sidebones._--A rapid development of sidebones is one of the
complications, or, perhaps better, a sequel of laminitis not often met
with in practice. Here the inflammatory process extends to the lateral
cartilages, with a strong tendency to calcification. The deposition of
the lime salts is sometimes most rapid, so that the "bones" are
developed in a few weeks; in other instances they are deposited slowly
and their growth is not noted until long after the subsidence of the
laminitis, so that the exciting cause is not suspected. This change in
the cartilages may commence as early as the first of the laminitis; and
although