546 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



This is a splendid thing for quittor, and also fistulous withers. Of late, I have 

 great success with it. 



A bar or three-quarter bar shoe, should be used for some time, 

 and the diseased quarter cut down to keep it from pressure ; and in 

 course of time the foot will become useful, if not sound. 



Thrush. 



Copying the language of a standard authority, " Thrush is in- 

 flammation of the lower structure of the sensitive frog, during which 

 pus is secreted with or instead of horn." It is most common in the 

 hind feet, and also occurs in the fore. It occurs at all ages, arid is 

 frequently seen in the colt running in the straw-yard, arising from 

 the acrid moisture of urine, dung, etc., softening and corroding the 

 frog, and extending to the sensitive structures above. It is also seen 

 in roadsters whose feet are not exposed to acrid moisture. In them 

 it is caused by contraction, or the insinuation of sand and dirt into 

 the cleft of the frog, producing irritation, followed Jay suppuration 

 of the sensitive frog, causing it to^secrete unhealthy horn, and dis- 

 charge offensive matters. 



It may sometimes be constitutional, as we often observe it ap- 

 pear just as the coat is being changed, and other constitutional 

 changes are taking place in the system. 



■Symptoms. — There is seldom much lameness, unless the ani- 

 mal steps on a stone, or sand or gravel gets into the cleft ; but it is ' 

 always attended by a tender, gingerly action. , The cleft of the frog 

 is* deeper than in health, and a thin, acrid discharge oozes from its 

 sides and bottom, emitting a* characteristic and fetid odor. If not 

 checked, it extends, and the frog becomes loose and ragged ; scales 

 fall off in layers, exposing the sensitive parts, which are tender and 

 contracted. If neglected, the entire foot may be involved, and it 

 may degenerate into canker. 



Treatment. — No time should be lost, and no case, however 

 slight, should be neglected. The foot must be thoroughly cleaned, 

 and all loose, detached parts freely removed. The secreting sur- 

 face should be exposed, and calomel dusted on, and pressed with a- 

 spatula or thin slip of wood into every crevice. Keep the foot 

 thoroughly dry, and more than one or two dressings will seldom be 

 required. Sometimes it readily yields to cleanliness and simple 

 dressings, with hot tar placed in the cleft with tow, and retained 

 with cross slips, or applications of sugar of lead or sulphate of zinc. 

 Or, after the parts have been washed, and the diseased part removed 

 as directed, apply powdered sulphate of copper to the parts, and fill 



