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MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
particularly if not remedied in time, and hence may lead 
to positive unsoundness. But it is only in cases where 
considerable alteration in the form of the hoof has taken 
place, that thrushes are likely to be of a severe kind; 
for we find that they may exist in an otherwise sound and 
well-formed foot, without being attended with immediate 
detriment, and may be easily remedied. Still, if the thrush 
be not removed, in the course of time it will alter the shape 
of the foot and also the action of the animal, and conse¬ 
quently becomes confirmed unsoundness. It is quite certain 
if thrush is neglected, that however slow its progress may 
be, still it is sure ultimately to assume a serious and im¬ 
movable complaint. The frog will contract, become rugged 
and tender, and will be followed by a copious and very 
fetid discharge, the horn will gradually disappear, and in 
its stead there will be accumulated a mass of hardened 
mucus, which easily comes off, and leaves the sensible frog 
completely exposed and unprotected; it is so tender that 
the slightest touch gives exquisite pain to the horse. In 
a day or two fungus granulations shoot out from it and 
spread in all directions, affecting even the sole; and this 
canker invests the entire foot. 
From this will be seen the extreme folly of neglecting 
thrush, however simple its aspect may be at first. We 
have known valuable horses having been lost to their owners 
from the erroneous belief entertained by themselves, or 
put into their heads by ignorant quacks, namely, that 
thrush would benefit the horse, as it was only Nature work¬ 
ing its own cure by throwing off superabundant humours. 
Some ignorant country smiths, who call themselves farriers, 
have promulgated such a doctrine, and even recommended 
that the discharge should not be speedily dried up on this 
account; and some have even said that it should not be 
