25^^ 



THE MODERN SYSTEM 



fic not forget to give alterative medicines 

 every second day. (&e medicines.) 



ON CANKER. 



Canker is one of the most obstinate and de- 

 structive diseases the Horse is subject to. 

 Canker consists in the separation of the horn 

 of the insensible sole from the sensible sole, 

 from suppuration having taken place between 

 the two. This troublesome disease may arise 

 from various causes. One origin is from neg- 

 lected thrush, in which the sensible sole par- 

 ticipates with the inflammation of the sensible 

 frof. Ne£:lected grease will sometimes occa- 

 .sion canker. In both these cases it is fre- 

 quently engendered amongst cart-horses, par- 

 ticularly in crowded places ; for you will find 

 more grease and thrush in large cart-horse 

 establishments than any other; and if care 

 be not taken in time, canker soon shews itself 

 It often arises from pricks ; and when such is 

 the case, and the flexor-tendon siiould become 

 injured, in all probability locked-jaw may su- 

 pervene. Treads, bruises, or bad corns may 

 now and then occasion it. This disease seldom 

 occurs in the fore-feet, clearly shewing that 

 dung and urine are among the principal causes. 

 Having enumerated the causes of canker, I 

 .shall now proceed to otfer the treatment for 

 this troublesome disease. Canker, in its ap- 

 pearance, you will find to be a formation of 

 fungus, or proud flesh ; which of course is an 

 imliealthy secretion, and in appearance much 

 resembles a cauliflower. Now, your first 

 object is, to remove this to a level with the 

 parts that appear healthy. This you will 

 effect with a sharp .scalpel. You will occasion 

 considerable bleeding, but do not be alarmed at 

 that. Have with you a bottle of butter of anti- 



mony (see medicines) and with a feather, touch 

 every part of proud flesh, and between the 

 parts. Now proceed carefully, with a probe, 

 to examine what extent of sensible is separated 

 from the horny sole ; exactly to the extent of 

 separation must the sole be nicely pared 

 away, with a very fine and sharp drawing- 

 knife ; for the horny sole, once separateil, 

 never re-unites, but becomes a foreign body, 

 and as such, injurious. Every portion of 

 separated horn should be carefully removed ; 

 and mind also, this must be attended to at 

 every future dressing. Again examine with 

 your probe, if the disease has proceeded in 

 any other direction. If so, they must be treated 

 as above, by a careful removal of all detached 

 parts ; let these be cut away, neatly and 

 evenly, and no rough edges suffered to 

 remain. 



By using the above means, the fimgus may 

 be removed ; but mind, so long as any of this 

 fungus continues sprouting, or glowing, so 

 long the cankered action is going on ; before 

 proceeding further, that must be completely 

 done away with ; for while that is the case, no 

 secretion of firm horn will take place. If you 

 perceive a secretion of thin horn, which will 

 .sometimes occur over many portions of the 

 surface, this must be carefully removed at 

 each dressing, until the application of caustic 

 stimulants and pressure produce a healthy 

 surface, and produces a proper quantity 

 of pus only, and which finally end in good 

 horn. After you have brought the whole of 

 the sole to secrete good matter, sprinkle it 

 with the following : — 



Sul. zinc, finely powdered 



i ounce. 



Verdigris 



- i (la 



Or. 



