CANKER. 



^85 



as everytliing torn now leaves a raw surface difficult to lieaL In 

 some instances the whole of the exposed surface of the foot 

 presents a beautifully healthy appearance, and become gradually 

 covered with natural horn, with very little more treatment than 

 cleanliness, mild astringents, and moderately firm pressure. But 

 the more aggravated ones will continue to present fungoid ele- 

 vations and morbid secretion, requiring repeated dressings with 

 powerful caustics and astringents. Chromic acid, carefully 

 applied in its undiluted state, is a good remedy, combining with 

 the watery constituents of the fungoid growths, and stimulating 

 the production of healthy horn. It must be sparingly applied, 

 as its affinity for water is so great as to cause a blaze of fire by 

 the intensity of their combination. For at least a week after the 

 operation, the horse should stand without shoes, the soles being 

 l^added with tow, bandaged, and booted ; but when the feet are 

 able to bear the shoes, they should be put on, since it is much 

 easier to dress the feet when they are on. The after treatment 

 will depend very much on the progress of the disease ; remedies 

 seem to lose their effect after two or three applications, and re- 

 quire to be changed. When the chromic acid seems inoperative, 

 a mixture of sulpliuric acid and tar might be tried, or the acid 

 carefully put on in its undiluted state. Care, however, must be 

 taken not to continue caustic and escharotic dressings too long, 

 or the whole sensitive sole will be destroyed, necrosis of the 

 bone produced, with great sloughing, and perhaps the death of 

 the horse. Burnt alum, sulphate of copper, terchloride of iron, 

 chloride of zinc, sulphate of iron, tannic acid, and other astrin- 

 gents, with an occasional application of carbolic acid, might be 

 tried in their turn. Some cases improve under firm pressure, by 

 means of pledgets of tow and splints ; whilst in others, pressure 

 seems to stimulate the diseased action and the production of 

 fungus. There is scarcely a rule wliich can be laid down. 

 Much depends on the skill of the veterinary attendant. The 

 stripping must not, however, be forgotten, and it may be neces- 

 sary to repeat the operation. Many horses have recovered that 

 have required it to be done three, or even more times. When 

 the laminte are involved, the case may be generally looked upon 

 as hopeless ; but if treatment is determined upon, the crust must 

 be stripped, so as to expose the whole of the diseased surface. 

 The constitution, being the source and origin of the ailment, 

 2c 



