163 
APrilA, OH THRUSH IN THE HOUSE. 
have generally traced it to the existence of worms, or to the 
animal having been over-heated, or, in common parlance, sur¬ 
feited. 
1 have often seen it occurring in post and coach horses of all 
ages; and more particularly when at very high keep. I have 
also seen it exist in very old poor, and emaciated horses. In 
these cases I have always been inclined to think that there was 
chronic disease of the stomach, somewhat similar to that de¬ 
scribed by Mr. Blaine. I have been informed by an intelligent 
farrier in extensive practice, that he has seen disease of the 
mouth follow an attack of gastritis. 
® . . 
From having most frequently seen it in young horses, that is 
from three to five years old, I am inclined to think dentition 
may have something to do in the production of the soreness of 
the gums observed in thrush, and causing also an imperfect 
mastication, and consequent indigestion of the food, and so pro¬ 
ducing or aggravating the disease. 
Symptoms .—The animal appears a little amiss and off his 
food, but the sympathetic disturbance of the system is generally 
slight. The pulse is accelerated, but not increased in strength. 
The coat, if it does not actually starCy loses that peculiar glossy 
or bloomy appearance which is the attendant on perfect health 
and good condition. The horse is dull and listless ; the dis¬ 
charge of saliva is generally considerable, and appears unusually 
tenacious or ropy, and not unfrequently hanging for a considera- ' 
ble distance from the corners of the mouth. The buccal or 
lining membrane of the mouth is inflamed, and in a partial or 
complete state of ulceration, putting on at the commencement a 
phlegmonous, but, if suffered to proceed, an erysepelatous ap¬ 
pearance. The bowels irregular, or more or less costive. 
Treatment .—A removal of the causes, and the substitution 
of any wholesome soft meat,—mashes of sweet bran and oats, 
stand first in order here. To this should be added a slight dose 
of y)urgative medicine, and sometimes a second. Epsom, or 
Glauber’s, or common salt, given in solution, the animal fasting, 
in the quantities of ^iv of the two first or ^vi of the last in a 
pint of water, and this repeated every morning for about a week, 
are good remedies, and renders any astringent or detergent wash 
for the mouth unnecessary. When the patient is tolerably quiet, 
I prefer these latter remedies. 
Result .—The causes having been removed, the efl'cets soon 
cease, and health is restored. 
