iment, that is equivalent to added and excessive
length of the deep flexor tendon.

Where there occurs suppuration, by careful inspection of the coronary
region, one may early recognize detachment of hoof. In such cases
animals remain recumbent and, while the condition is not so painful at
this stage, the practitioner must not overlook the real state of
affairs. History, if obtainable, will be a helpful guide in such cases.
Separation of hoof occurs as a rule in from four to ten days after the
initial attack of acute laminitis. Needless to say these cases are
hopeless, when the economic phase of handling subjects is considered.

[Illustration: Fig. 34--Showing the effects of laminitis. By permission,
from Merillat's "Veterinary Surgical Operations."]

Treatment.--Much depends upon the concomitant disturbances (or causes
if one is justified in referring to them as such) as to the manner in
which laminitis is to be treated. In all cases where digestive
disturbances exist, the prompt unloading of the contents of the
alimentary canal is certainly indicated. D.M. Campbell[31] in a
discussion of laminitis has the following to say regarding the treatment
of such cases:

Because superpurgation may be followed by laminitis, the
advisability of using the active hypodermic cathartics is
questioned. Neither arecolin nor eserin can cause superpurgation.
The action of the former does not continue longer than an hour
after administration and of the latter not more than eight hours.
The action of either is mild after the first few minutes.

I do not think that anyone has recommended either arecolin or
eserin where there is severe purgation. Where the intestinal canal
is fairly well emptied and its contents fluid, I should be inclined
to rely upon intestinal antiseptics to hold in check harmful
bacterial growth.

The use of alum in the treatment of laminitis is held to be without
reason other than the empirical one that it is beneficial. If
laminitis is due chiefly to an autointoxication, good and
sufficient reason for the administration of alum can be shown based
upon its known physiological action. It is the most powerful
intestinal astringent that I know of and has the fewest
disadvantages. I have not noted constipation following its use nor
diarrhea, nor a stopping of peristalsis, nor indigestion, and in
any case its action las