544 SANDCRACK. 



clung and litter. In cases of thrush, never have the foot 

 permanently stopped, but leave the frog free, so that it may 

 be readily dressed. The latest and by far the most effective 

 dressing for the disease is, two drachms of chloride of zinc, 

 added to a quart of water. Friars' balsam, tincture of 

 myrrh, solution of vitriol, alum, lead, &c., all have their 

 advocates. Tar and salt mixed is a favourite application, 

 or tar and bole armenian blended : a solution of nitrate of 

 silver is also recommended ; but perhaps the following, 

 should all the foregoing fail, may deserve a trial : — 



Prepared calamine lialf an ounce. 



Verdigris half an ounce. 



White vitriol one drachra. 



Tar three ounces. 



Mix. 



Before the introduction of the dressing, the frog should be 

 inspected, so that the introduction of the remedy may be faci- 

 litated, and the disposition to harbour tilth and moisture 

 prevented. The whole frog may then very properly be well 

 rubbed over with the application ; but, more particularly, a 

 small piece of tow should be charged with it, and by means of 

 a skewer, or other similar instrument^ pressed to the bottom 

 of the cleft. Care should be taken, when introducing the tow, 

 to do it neatly, so that no part hangs out ; by which means 

 the dressing will remain secure two or three days ; but no 

 application simply poured in, without the aid of some other 

 substance, as tow, soft sponge, wool, or rag, which retains 

 the agent and guards against moisture, generally answers 

 so well. In bad cases the dressing should be repeated 

 every day, in others every second day, or twice a week. 



SANDCRACK, 



This is a solution of continuity between some of the 

 horny fibres of the hoof, generally in the direction of their 

 growth ; that is, from above dow^nwards. Now and then, 

 though but very seldom, the cracks exist in an horizontal 

 position. This affection is called sandcrack, because it was 

 formerly supposed peculiar to hot sandy districts, the heat 

 of which, applied to the feet, gave them a disposition to 

 crack. This opinion has however been proved correct. 

 English horses when in Egypt had fearful sandcracks, and 

 frequently more than one or two upon the same foot. 



