518 THEUSH. — CANKEE. 



arises from Tlirusli. The disease, Thrush, is inflammation of 

 the sub-tissues of the frog ; Canker is the same condition of 

 disease, extended to the sub-tissues of the sole of the foot. 



Thrush is a disease which many affect to consider an insig- 

 niScant malady. I do not, however, so regard it. It is, to all 

 intents and purposes, unsoundness ; it is difficult to cure, and, 

 if neglected, it is certain to terminate in Canker — one of the 

 most virulent and difficult diseases to eradicate which can affect 

 the horse. Old horses are far more subject to both Thrush and 

 Canker than young horses. It is very rare to find a young 

 horse affected with the latter disease. 



Teeatment oe Thetjsh. — The best remedies and modes 

 of treatment, in general, are— Poultices, Nitric Acid, Sulphate 

 of Copper, Balsam of Sulphur, cleanliness, and shoeing with 

 leathers. 



Poultices. — Prior to commencing a course of treatment to 

 arrest the fetid discharge, remove the shoes, and poultice the 

 feet for two or three days in succession. Poultice them with 

 bran, coarse flour, water, and yeast. If the water is added hot, 

 let the poultice cool before adding the yeast, otherwise the 

 latter will be destroyed, and also what benefit might result from 

 its application to the feet. The benefits sought to be obtained 

 by poulticing the feet are — first, to cleanse them thoroughly ; 

 and secondly, to modify the peculiar character of the inflam- 

 mation which exists in the secreting tissues of the frog. 



Balsam oe Sulphue. — Having poulticed the foot as 

 directed, and thoroughly cleansed the frog, the next step is to 

 pare the frog in every part, particularly along its sides. Pare 

 deep down between it and the sole of the foot, so as to 

 thoroughly expose the bottom, and bring into view the tissues 

 which secrete the fetid discharge. Having done this, and 



