196 Ts^lYIX ox THE HORSE. 



may bring it on. It is much more common in heavy draught 

 or dray-horses, with hirge, broad feet ; indeed, it is almost ex- 

 chisively confined to such horses. It is said by authors to be 

 hereditary. Filthy, bad stabling is doubtless one of the main 

 causes ^of canker. 



Treatment. — The objects to be accomplished in this disease 

 are, to remove the fungus growth and the dead parts of the 

 horny sole, so as to leave the surface of the sensitive sole in 

 a healthy condition, Avhen it will be capable of secreting or 

 throwing out new horn, to take the place of that destroyed 

 by the disease. The first thing is to remove the fungus or 

 proud flesh. The large masses of it may be shaved off even 

 with the sole, with a sharp knife, being careful not to w^ound 

 the sensitive sole. The surface then left should be freely 

 touched with a stick of nitrate of silver, until a white, skin- 

 lilce surface is left. The stick may be freely pressed down 

 into any lumps of fungus left. As soon as the greater part 

 of the fungus is removed, all dead or loosened portions of 

 horn should be pared out. After applying the caustic, a poul- 

 tice of flax-seed should be applied, which can best be held on 

 by the leather boot, wdiich is made to slip over the foot and 

 tie around the pastern. The caustic is to be applied to the 

 fungus once a day; but after any part of the sensitive sole 

 has become uncovered and healthy, it must not be touched 

 any more with the caustic. The chloride of antimony is a 

 superior article for removing the fungus that remains after 

 the knife has been used. The part is to be touched with it 

 once a day, but not the sensitive sole, after it has commenced 

 secretin^ new horn. A thick piece of cloth, spread with bal- 

 sam of fir, will answer quite as good a i^urpose as a poultice, 

 and is easier kept on. 



\Yhile undergoing treatment, the horse should be carefully 

 kept where his feet will be dry. He might be used in light 

 work, as in a bark-mill. He needs some exercise. Time and 

 patience are necessary in treating this malady. 



