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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 toa 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 how 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 uncleanly 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 unhealthy 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 
