laminitis there is an elevation of the temperature, an almost
invariable indication for aconitin. A speedy return of the
temperature to normal, a very marked diminution of the pain and
improved conditions generally, appear coincident with the symptoms
of full physiological effect of aconitin when given in cases of
laminitis, which constitutes assuredly an important part of its
treatment.

[Illustration: Fig. 35--Inferior (convex) surface of Cochran shoe.]

Where lameness is not great as in cases wherein no marked structural
change of the foot has occurred, proper shoeing is very beneficial. By
keeping the heels as low as possible and shoeing without heel calks a
more comfortable position is made possible. Thin rubber pads which do
not elevate the heel are of service in diminishing concussion.

Dr. David W. Cochran of New York City has attained unusual success in
cases of chronic laminitis with dropped sole by the use of a specially
designed shoe.

[Illustration: Fig. 36--Superior surface, showing concavity or bowl, as
formed by the toe and branches of the shoe, as designed by Dr. David W.
Cochran.]

Cochran claims that, not only are horses with dropped soles that would
otherwise have to be put off the streets enabled to do a fair amount of
work by means of this shoe, but that continually wearing it, meanwhile
keeping the convexity of the front of the hoof rasped thin, in time
brings about a marked improvement, and that after some months or years
of use the animals are able to work with ordinary rubber-pad shoes,
provided they are arranged to facilitate breaking over.

From having been successfully used on some race horses of high value,
the Cochran shoe has attained considerable notoriety and is being used
by a number of practitioners. A disadvantage, however, arises from the
fact that few horseshoers other than Doctor Cochran seem able to make
the shoe, the peculiar shape of which offers considerable difficulty in
forging. Concerning the application of the shoe Cochran[32] says:

"The most important primary procedure is the preparation of the
foot to receive the shoe. All excess of growth must be removed from
the anterior face of the hoof. The outer face must be reduced at
the toe (not shortened), but rasped down thin for the lighter the
top of the foot is, the more chance the sole and coffin bone will
have of resuming their former normal position.