184 MAJiUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



particularly if not remedied in time, and hence may lead 

 to jDositive unsoundness. But it is only in cases where 

 considerable alteration in the form of the hoof has taken 

 place, that thrushes are likely to be of a severe kind ; 

 for we find that they may exist 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 removed, in the course of time it will alter the shape 

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

 quently 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 im- 

 movable complaint. The frog ^vill contract, become rugged 

 and tender, and will be followed by a copious and very 

 fetid discharge, the horn will gradually disappear, and in 

 its stead there will be accumulated a mass of hardened 

 mucus, which easily comes ofij and leaves the sensible frog 

 completely exposed and unprotected ; it is so tender that 

 the slightest touch gives exquisite pain to the horse. In 

 a day or two fungus granulations shoot out from it and 

 spread in all directions, affecting even the sole ; and this 

 canker invests the entire foot. 



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 work- 

 ing 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 



