LAMENESS IN HORSES. 
36 / 
the butter of antimony in lieu of the nitric acid. Some places 
indeed, not generating fungus, but simply issuing ichorous se- 
cretion, will be best corrected by a milder caustic, such as 
sulphate or acetate of copper. For it may be here observed, 
in cankerous affections we make use of two different kinds of 
caustics ; the one erodent , eating off the substance to which it 
is applied, such as the nitric acid, the butter of antimony, &c. : 
the other, simply escharotic, productive of slough ; such as are 
the sulphate and acetate of copper, bichloride of mercury, arsenic, 
sulphate of zinc, &c. Fungous excrescences will at all times 
require erodent caustics; while morbid secreting surfaces and 
parts indisposed to throw up granulation may be left to es- 
charotics. The grand difference to be observed between the 
treatment of ulceration of the foot and common sores in other 
parts of the body, consists in the pressure found to be so salu- 
tary and requisite for the former. The foot being a part which, 
from its natural habits, may be called the organ of pressure, the 
same influence appears indispensably necessary to it under 
disease, as a stimulus to excite its vital powers to resume their 
normal functions. 
When once we have got quit of the fungus, and have an- 
nihilated all power to reproduce it, we may bring about the 
healthy secretion of horn by such escharotic and stimulant 
dressings as, from trial, appear best suited to the case: always 
bearing in mind that change of dressing usually turns out bene- 
ficial practice. Parts will often for a time progress favourably 
with a dressing under which they will retrograde if the same 
be persisted in beyond a certain period. There is no better 
escharotic for general purposes than the sulphate of copper. 
The acetate of copper, which is likewise an excellent one, is 
used with most effect in the form of the ointment known by the 
name of CANKER OINTMENT, a formula for which will be found 
under the head of Frush*. A capital form of the “ blue solu- 
tion” is the compound solution, containing sulphuric acid, as 
recommended by Mr. Morton ; which will also be found under 
Frush*. In fact, canker, when once deprived of its fungus- 
generating property, is reduced to much the same disease as 
frush is which has underrun the frog and spread under the 
sole, and therefore calls for similar treatment. During this 
stage, when stimulants are indicated, common tar or the oil of 
tar or oil of turpentine, may be occasionally used. At any 
time when fetor requires correcting, the chloride of lime, either 
in powder or solution, may be introduced. In fine, we might, 
were we to look down our own list, without adverting to the 
favourite remedies of others, enumerate dressings ad infinitum 
* See The Veterinarian for February last, pp. 69 and 70. 
