CANKER. 
181 
The dirty state of many of the stables, and the neglect 
of the feet generally, are fertile sources of this bad disease. 
Attention to these points might in many instances prevent 
the malady, but when once it has been induced, it is 
extremely difficult to remedy. 
It is peculiarly necessary to give a watchful attention to 
all species of injuries in these heavy horses, as they are 
more likely than all others to assume a bad complexion. 
Their feet being clubbed, and their hoofs in general brittle, 
they are liable to be punctured while shoeing. Nine-tenths 
of the complaints of this kind arise from negligence either 
in the groom or master, and also from the carelessness 
or stupidity of the shoeing smith. It will only require 
a little attention to the subject to enable the master to 
detect where the mischief arises. 
Remedies. —Canker is a complaint which ought only to 
be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon, being exceedingly 
difficult and tedious in its progress towards a cure. 
The first thing which is done in this disease is to cut 
out the fungus growth; and besides this it often becomes 
necessary to use both caustic and the cautery; and all 
that portion of the horn which has been separated from 
the fleshy and bony parts must be carefully removed. 
Should fresh fungus be generated, it must be got rid of 
and means adopted to check its growth, and by proper 
applicants to induce the secretion of healthy horn. Un¬ 
skilful veterinarians have been known to inflict severe and 
unnecessary torture on horses which had canker, by too 
deeply corroding the parts with caustic, and thus producing 
a sore. He that is an adept at his profession will know 
that canker is only a superficial disease, and does not 
extend to the bony or fleshy parts ; therefore a very slight 
daily application of chloride of antimony will suffice to 
