When standing, the symptoms are similar to those noted in the horse; the animal appears as though absolutely incapable of moving. If all four feet are affected the animal assumes a position as though just about to rise; if the front feet alone are affected the animal kneels in front whilst it stands on its hind legs, a very unusual position for the ox to assume; finally, if the hind feet alone are affected, the animal seems to prefer a position with the feet under the body both in front and behind. (See Veterinarian, 1894, case by Bayley, and note by Nunn.)
It is always difficult to make the animal move. Walking seems painful, and most weight is thrown on the heels. The body swings from side to side as the limbs are advanced, and each limb is moved with a kind of general bodily effort.
The claws are hot, sensitive to the slightest touch, and painful on percussion.
Throughout the development of laminitis the general symptoms are very marked. The appetite falls off early, fever soon appears, and in grave cases the temperature rises to 105° or to 106° Fahr. Thirst is marked, and the animal seems to prefer cold drinks. The muzzle is dry, the face anxious and expressive of pain. Wasting is rapid.
The ordinary termination is in resolution, which occurs between the eighth and fifteenth day, provided the patient has been suitably treated. The disease rarely becomes chronic. On the other hand, the claw occasionally separates, as a consequence of hæmorrhage or suppuration, between the horn proper and its secreting membrane. Should this complication threaten, the pastern becomes greatly swollen, the extremities become intensely congested, and separation commences at the coronet. Loss of the claws, however, like suppuration, is rare.
Diagnosis. Congestion of the sole, the early stage of infectious rheumatism and osseous cachexia may, at certain periods of their development, be confused with laminitis; but the history and the method of development of the above-mentioned diseases always allow of easy differentiation.
It should, however, be added that, in certain exceptional conditions (suppurating echinococosis, producing chronic intoxication, tumours of the liver, and tumours of the pericardium and mediastinum), symptoms may be shown that suggest the existence of laminitis, although it is not really present. In these cases pain may possibly be felt in the bones of the extremities.
The prognosis is usually favourable, but necessarily depends on the intensity of the disease. Fat stock always suffer severely.
The treatment varies in no important particular from that prescribed for the horse, and is usually followed by rapid improvement. The chief indications are free bleeding from the jugular, the application of a mustard plaster over the chest, and the administration of a smart purgative (1 to 2 lbs. of sulphate of soda, according to the size of the animal) at first, followed by laxatives. This treatment may be completed by giving salicylate of soda per os in doses of 5 to 8 drams, or arecoline in subcutaneous injection, 1 to 1½ grains. Local treatment consists in cold affusions or poultices to the feet.
Failing cold baths, clay plasters applied to the feet are useful. To ensure success all these methods should be utilised simultaneously. In cases of separation of the claw, antiseptic dressings, with a thick pad of tow placed under the sole, become necessary.