THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 135 



in the shoeing, and is easier prevented than cured. It 

 belongs, more generally, to the class of heavy draught- 

 horses than to the lighter breed. It consists of a 

 fungous matter, spread by degrees between the horny 

 and sensible parts of the foot, inoculating everything 

 within its reach, and, when far advanced, totally sepa- 

 rates the hoof from the frog and sole, a part or the 

 whole wdiich has been found to be diseased. 



Treatment. — ^The knife as well as caustic and cau- 

 tery are often required in this case. After cutting 

 away every portion of the hoof that is dissevered from 

 the sensible portion beneath, chloride of antimony 

 must then be applied as a dressing daily, but at the 

 same time very slightly ; great care should be taken 

 also to preserve the feet as dry as possible ; and ex- 

 ercise is essential, but not such as would expose him 

 to hurt the diseased foot. 



As the cure advances, administer a lew gentle 

 purgatives, and feed on bran-mashes. 



THRUSH, 



Is a discharge of matter through the cleft of the frog 

 and heels, arising from acrid moisture, such as dung or 

 urine, penetrating the horny hoof, and thus irritating 

 the sensitive portion of the foot, produces an imlaealthy 

 action, whence fissures are formed, and an offensive 

 fluid escapes. Thus it is more frequent in the hinder 

 than in the fore-feet ; and horses of every description 

 are liable to be attacked if not properly cared for. It 

 also proceeds from contraction. If not attended to in 



