Common Diseases of Farm AnimalsCraig, Robert Alexander
Science
Common Diseases of Farm Animals
Craig, Robert Alexander
Veterinary medicine
We describe the _diseased changes_ by using the terms _dry_, _moist_ and
_suppurative corns_. In the _dry corn_ we find the horn stained and
infiltrated with blood. In the _moist corn_ the hoof may be colored the
same as in the former, but in addition there is a space between the
vascular and horny tissue that is filled with a serous-like fluid. If this
collection of fluid becomes infected with pus organisms and is changed to
pus, it is then termed a _suppurative corn_. Sometimes the pus pushes its
way upward and backward between the sensitive laminae and the wall, and
makes its appearance at the margin of the coronary band in the region of
the quarters or heels. This usually occurs when the tissues beneath the
horny frog become bruised or the sensitive tissue pricked by a nail. It is
commonly termed "gravelled." Pus rarely breaks through the thick horny
tissue, but follows the wall and breaks through the skin where it meets
with the least resistance. Corns may be considered a serious unsoundness in
driving horses.
_The treatment_ is largely preventive. Trimming the foot and fitting the
shoe properly are important preventive measures. The practice of cutting
away the bars and sole or "opening up the heels," as it is commonly termed,
should be condemned. This method of trimming the foot instead of preventing
corns is a very common factor in producing them. The shoe should not be too
short or too narrow. It should follow the outline of the wall and rest
evenly on its bearing margin. If this is practised, weakening the wall by
cutting off that portion allowed to project beyond the shoe is unnecessary.
Feet that have low heels and large, prominent frogs should be shod with
shoes thick at the heels. The best line of treatment for a horse that is
subject to corns is to remove the shoes and allow the animal to run in a
pasture. If this is impossible, poulticing the feet or standing the animal
in moist clay will help in relieving the soreness. Excessive cutting away
of the horny sole is contra-indicated. Suppurative corns should be given
proper drainage and treatment.
LAMINITIS, "FOUNDER."--This is an inflammation of the sensitive or vascular
stricture of the foot. The inflammation may be acute, subacute or chronic.
Stockmen frequently use a classification for laminitis based on the causes.
Feed, road and water founder are common terms used in speaking of this
disease. The inflammation is usually limited to the front feet.
_The causes_ of laminitis are overfeeding, sudden changes in the feed,
drinking a large quantity of water when the animal is overheated,
overexertion, exhaustion and chilling of the body by standing the animal in
a cold draft. It may be associated with such diseases as rheumatism,
influenza and colic.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account