lt in some disorder, ofttimes in laminitis.
_Curative measures._--In cases of simple congestion of the laminae the
body should be warmly clothed and warm drinks administered. The feet
should be placed in a warm bath to increase the return flow of blood. In
course of an hour the feet may be changed to cold water and kept there
until recovery is completed. If the constitutional symptoms demand it,
diuretics should be given. Half-ounce doses of saltpeter three times a
day in the water answer the purpose. In cases of active congestion the
warm footbaths should be omitted and cold ones used from the
commencement. Subacute laminitis demands the same treatment, with
laxatives if there is constipation, and the addition of low-heeled
shoes. The diuretics may need to be continued for some time and their
frequency increased. Regarding acute laminitis, what has been called the
"American treatment" is simple and efficient. It consists solely in the
administration of large doses of nitrate of potash and the continued
application to the feet and ankles of cold water.
Three to four ounces of saltpeter in a pint of water, repeated every six
hours, is a proper dose. The laminitis frequently subsides within a
week. These large doses may be continued for a week without danger.
Under no circumstances have I seen the kidneys irritated to excess or
other unfavorable effects produced.
The feet should be kept in a tub of water at a temperature of 45 deg. to 50 deg.
F., unless the animal is lying down, when swabs are to be used and wet
every half hour with the cold water. The water keeps the horn soft and
moist and acts directly upon the inflamed tissues by reducing the
temperature. Cold maintains the vitality and disease-resisting qualities
of the soft tissues, tones up the coats of the blood vessels, diminishes
the supply of blood, and limits the exudation. Furthermore, it has an
anesthetic effect upon the diseased tissues and relieves the pain.
Aconite may be given in conjunction with the niter when the heart is
greatly excited and beats strongly. Ten-drop doses, repeated every 2
hours for 24 hours, are sufficient. The use of cathartics is dangerous,
for they may excite superpurgation. Usually the niter will relieve the
constipation; yet if it should prove obstinate, laxatives may be
carefully given. Bleeding, both general and local, should be guarded
against. The shoes must be early removed and the soles left unpared.
Paring of the
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