Thrush— Hoof Cracks 101 
standing in manure and filth, but sometimes it ocerrs 
without apparent cause. Often it precedes other dis- 
eases of the foot, and seems to be brought on by a 
debilitated condition of the system. 
There is a crack in the horny frog with a foul-smell- 
ing discharge. There is lameness or tenderness, 
especially when the foot strikes some hard object. 
The hoof is dry and the heel feverish. 
Poultice the foot to soften the parts, trim away the 
edges of the cleft so as to get at the seat of the disease, 
make a swab and ecauterize the cleft thoroughly with 
“butter of antimony” or some other liquid caustic. 
After using a caustic once, calomel can be dusted into 
the cleft once daily; this dries up the discharge and in 
most cases will cure the disease. Compound tincture of 
benzoin and oil of tar, equal parts, is also good. The 
shoes should be removed and frog pressure given. If it 
is necessary to work the horse, “tips” or bar shoes 
ean be put on. It is essential that the foot be kept 
elean and dry. If the horse is debilitated, good nourish- 
ing food, with tonic condition-powders, should be given. 
Pulling off the shoes and giving a run at pasture 
will often effect a cure. 
CRACKED HOOFS 
A “quarter-crack” is a crack in the wall of the hoof, 
beginning at the top or ecoronet, and extending down- 
ward in the wall. When the crack begins at the bottom 
and extends upward it is called a “sand-crack”; if in 
front it is sometimes called a “toe-crack.” 
