CANKER IN THE FOOT. 2^3 



CHAP. LII. 



CANKER IN THE FOOT. 



This disease, in general, proceeds from a run- 

 ning thrush, which spreads, and runs under the 

 sole of the foot, until it turns putrid and rotten, 

 which causes it to fall off. The first intention of 

 cure must be to pare the foot down ; then with a 

 proper knife, bent in the shape of an half moon, 

 pare out the rotten and putrified flesh, which 

 grows on the bottom of the foot, taking care not 

 to cut deeper than the decayed part, lest it should 

 endanger the coffin-bone. This being done, put 

 on the shoe with two nails on each side ; then take 

 a handful of common salt, and lay it over the part 

 which is cut; and fasten it properly with hurds: 

 this will stop the bleeding. The next day take 

 off the dressing, and examine whether the hoof 

 presses on any part that is tender; if so, it must 

 be pared quite thin, or, if hollow underneath, be 

 taken quite away. If necessary, this operation 

 must be repeated every time it is dressed. 



