THRUSH 155 



in an otherwise sound and well-formed foot, without 

 being attended with immediate detriment, and may 

 be easily remedied. Still, if the thrush be not re- 

 moved, in the course of time it will alter the shape 

 of the foot and also the action of the animal, and 

 consequently becomes confirmed unsoundness. It is 

 quite certain, if thrush is neglected, that however slow 

 its progress may be, still it is sure ultimately to 

 assume a serious and immovable complaint. The 

 frog will contract, become rugged and tender, and 

 will be followed by a copious and very fetid discharge ; 

 the horn will gradually disappear, and leave the 

 sensitive frog completely exposed and unprotected ; 

 it is so tender that the slightest touch gives ex- 

 quisite pain to the horse. In a day or two fungus 

 granulations shoot out, and if neglected may end in 

 canker. 



From this will be seen the extreme folly of 

 neglecting thrush, however simple its aspect may 

 be at first. We have known valuable horses having 

 been lost to their owners from the erroneous belief 

 entertained by themselves, or put into their heads 

 by ignorant quacks, namely, that thrush would 

 benefit the horse, as it was only Nature working 

 its own cure by throwing off superabundant humours. 

 Some ignorant country smiths, who call themselves 

 farriers, have promulgated such a doctrine, and even 

 recommended that the discharge should not be 

 speedily dried up on this account ; and some have 

 even said that it should not be dried up at all. But, 

 assuredly, in nine cases out of ten what we have 

 pointed out will be the inevitable consequence of 

 neglected thrush. Its operations are slow, but its 

 effects are certain. Disease of all kinds should be 

 instantly attacked, and speedily subdued if possible. 



