450 TREATMENT OF CANKER. 



sure. All loose portions of horn to be removed, without, if 

 possible, making the parts bleed or wounding such as are sound ; 

 though nothing is to stand in the way of the complete denudation 

 of the diseased parts. This done, any very exuberant fungus, 

 likely to resist dressing, is to be excised ; after which, the 

 entire diseased surface is to be covered with a thick layer of 

 tar upon pledgets of tow, supported by splints and bandages 

 calculated to give the requisite pressure. And this dressing is 

 to be daily renewed. Perseverance in such measures is en- 

 joined for several days, taking care at every dressing to remove 

 all horny matter anywise unsound, and to cover the places over 

 afresh with tar ; under which mode of procedure we shall, says 

 M. Bouley, every day perceive healthy action spreading, to the 

 gradual diminution and decay of the disease. Nor do we doubt 

 his assertion, when we read, further on, that, in the most com- 

 mon cases, he is in the habit of using, in combination with the 

 tar, such agents as the undiluted sulphuric, nitric, and hydro- 

 chloric acids, concentrated solution of caustic potass, quick lime, 

 the caustic ointment of Solleysel, the caustic paste of M. Plasse, 

 &c. &c. M. Bouley adds, that, with the indispensables of time 

 and attention, such treatment will prove successful ; from two or 

 three months being required for the cure. 



Discovering in the foregoing account of treatment nothing that 

 need divert us from our accustomed plan of operation, we proceed 

 to a detail of measures which have, not in our hands more than 

 in hundreds of others, turned out the best adapted for the cure of 

 canker, in as short a time and with as much certainty as the 

 nature of the particular case will admit. 



Before the Treatment of a Case of Canker be 

 UNDERTAKEN, it becomes the duty of the veterinary surgeon, in 

 order that he may guard himself against any ulterior blame 

 or dissatisfaction on the part of his patient's master, to represent 

 to the latter the probability of cure, as well as the time likely 

 to be required for it. The extent and malignity of the disease, 

 the duration of it, the age and value of the horse, should all be 

 taken into the account, lest it be found, in the end, that the 

 doctor's bill, and the keep of the patient while under treatment, 

 overbalance the animal's value. Nor must it be forgotten. 



