THRUSH. 289 



discharge. It is caused by the irritation of the little 

 glands of the frog ; which pour forth a stinking and an 

 acrid secretion that corrodes the horn of the part. It 

 is not always accompanied by lameness ; but there is 

 a treachery about it, against which due precaution 

 should be taken. There is often more mischief done 

 than is at first indicated, and it may run on to in- 

 veterate canker. 



Thrushes in the hind feet are generally the worst 

 in outward appearance ; yet they are most easily cured. 

 In most stables the urine and moisture gravitates to the 

 back part of the stall ; thus the hind feet stand in a 

 mass of wet and dung. They become thrushy in con- 

 sequence ; but, with a greater attention to cleanliness 

 and a little treatment, they are generally restored. 



In the fore feet thrush is commonly only a symptom 

 of internal and deep-seated disease. Then it acts as 

 a drain, and affords relief; if stopped, lameness often 

 immediately follows. In the fore feet, therefore, as a 

 general rule, the foot should be treated and the thrush 

 let alone. But in the hind feet the disease ought to 

 be attacked, and the discharge dried up as quickly 

 as may be consistent with safety. 



The frog should be carefully examined, and every 

 ragged and separated portion pared away ; when, how- 

 ever, the ragged horn is removed, a white powdery 

 substance will generally be exposed; this also should 

 be extirpated until none but healthy horn can be seen; 

 then a little of the following paste should be spread 

 on a pledget of tow, and introduced as neatly and as 

 deeply as may be into the cleft of the frog, the ends 

 of the tow being carefully tucked in. 



