194 NAVIX ox THE HORSE. 



extending to the sensitive horn within, and from this the dis- 

 charge constantly issues. The in'ogress of the disease is often 

 very slow, but with no disposition to heal. After awhile the 

 frog commences to draw up or contract, becoming tender, 

 rough, and brittle, the discharge becoming more abundant 

 and more oifcnsive. The horny frog disappears, or seems to 

 be Avasted away by the continued discharge, and a mass of 

 hardened mucus takes its place; but this scales off very easily, 

 leaving the sensitive frog uncovered. Masses of fungus or 

 proud flesh sprout up in this opening, and extend to the parts 

 around ; the sole becomes undermined and the whole foot in- 

 volvcd in canker. 



The tendency of this disease is to destruction, and nothing 

 •can be more erroneous than to suppose it a matter of no con- 

 sequence. It should never be neglected, however trifling the 

 attack may seem to be." 



Causes. — Thrush may be caused either by the eifects of 

 -other diseases or by violence to the frog of any kind. Con- 

 traction, by pressing on the frog, will cause it. Improper 

 shoeing, exposing the frog to unusual violence, will also pro- 

 duce it. Exposure of the feet in filthy stables, allowing the 

 torse to stand with his feet in a mortar of dung and urine, 

 will give rise to irritation of the frog, and thrush. Contrac- 

 tion is apt to result from thrush. 



It is oftencr met with in the hind-feet than the fore ones, 

 -most likely from their greater exposure to filth. It may occur 

 .at any age .or any season. Colts at grass have been known 

 to have it. 



Treatment. — The thrush should be properly cleaned out by 

 ivashing with soapsuds, and dried, and the loose horn pared 

 ■oif. Then use the same ointment recommended for scratches, 

 or grease, with the addition, to the quantity there recom- 

 mended, of imwdered blue vitriol^ one ounce. To be applied 

 •once a day, and the heel washed well with soapsuds and dried 

 ^before applying the ointment. AMien masses of fungus, or 



