AND HIS DISEASES, 59 



exposing the sensitive parts, which are tender and con- 

 tracted. If neglected,, the entir^ foot may be involved, and 

 it may degenerate into canker. 



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

 ever slight, should be neglected. The foot must be thor- 

 oughly cleaned, and all loose, detached parts freely removed. 

 The secreting surface should be exposed, and calomel dusted 

 on, and pressed with a ,^patula or thin slip of wood into 

 every crevice. Keep the foot thoroughly dry, aijd seldom 

 will more than one or two dressings be required. . Some- 

 times 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. « 



It is generally advisable to give some opening medicine, 

 and attend to the general health and exercise. 



CANKEE. 



Canker of the foot is apt to supervene in cases of ne- 

 glected or maltreated thrush, quittor, or puncture, and often 

 follows bad cases of grease. It is most common in heavy 

 draught-horses, that are kept in damp, filthy stables, and is 

 seldom seen in this country, being most prevalent about large 

 cities in Scotland and England. 



It is thought to be hereditary. 



Symptoms. — In this disease we find a morbid state of 

 the sensitive sole and frog, and, instead of sound, healthy 

 horn, fungus-excrescences are thrown out, with an ofl[ensive 

 acrid discharge. When aggravated, the whole sole becomes 

 covered with growth of fungus, which are like shreds of 

 leather in appearance, with a great tendency to spread over 

 or uhderrun the sole, separating the horny from the sensitive 

 parts. It is very difficult to get the horn to grow again. 



