ISO 



exposed surface is dressed with some caustic solution, and after filling up 

 the excavation with carbolised tow, or tow saturated with tar, the foot is 

 encased in a leathern boot. A short time ago, we had under our care a very 

 severe case of canker, affecting both fore feet of an aged cart-horse. The 

 animal was totally unfit for work, but it was decided not to perform the 

 operation of stripping the sole. At first the soles were well pared, and the 

 diseased growth was treated by the application of the actual cautery. A 

 week later, the affected part was dressed with the acid nitrate of mercury, 

 and this was renewed every third day for four times. The animal has made 

 a gradual and almost complete recovery, one foot being quite healthy, while 

 the other is progressing very favourably. 



One of the best applications for cases of canker is a mixture of four 

 parts of glycerine, to one of pure carbolic acid. Strong solutions of sulphate 

 of copper are also useful. 



THRUSH. 

 By thrush we understand disease of the sensitive frog, accompanied with the 

 discharge of an acrid, foul-smelling fluid, from this part of the foot. In 

 severe cases, the disease spreads between the sensitive frog and the horn, 

 thus causing separation of the latter. The cleft of the frog is the part 

 usually first affected, but the disease, if not cured, may soon involve the 

 whole of this structure. 



Thrush may owe its origin to dampness of the ground on which the 

 animal stands, when turned out into low-lying pastures, or placed in damp, 

 ill-drained stables. Not unfrequently it is due to a filthy condition of the 

 litter of the bedding, or to stopping the feet with decayed matter— a common, 

 but pernicious and absurd custom. 



It is really wonderful hov.- difficult it is to uproot customs, which by 

 constant use have become so ingrained on the mind, as to be regarded as 

 being beyond question of material value. The practice of stopping the feet 

 with decaying matter, is still a common though most absurd custom. As we 

 said above, the dampness causes maceration of the frog, and by thus 

 denuding the sensitive part of the structure, leads to an abnormal state, 

 which necessarily becomes still more aggravated by the uncleanl)- matter. 

 In such a way thrush is not uncommonly developed ; but it is fortunate that 

 this condition is generally easily remedied by judicious attention and care. 



Dampness causes maceration of the frog, and, by thus denuding 

 the sensitive part of this structure, leads to an unhealth)- condition, 

 which becomes still more aggravated, when filth is an additional factor. 

 Want of pressure on the frog is also sometimes a cause of thrush. 

 Lastly, this affection may sometimes owe its origin to constitutional causes, 

 and to frost bite. Lameness is sometimes traceable to this diseased condition 

 of the frog, which necessarily constitutes unsoundness, so long as it remains 

 uncured. Unlike canker, thrush is in most instances easily cured. In the 

 first instance, the animal should have a good dry litter, and the frog should 



