198 
ON CANKER IN THE HORSE. 
than the parts actually diseased: if this be not done, they 
obstinately form again, denoting that they possess a trunk and 
ramifications. 
Cauterization by Acids, however, is ordinarily followed 
by happier results. Light and repeated touches, particularly 
with sulphuric acid, commonly produce the decay of the 
fungus, and with that the destruction of all its ramifications. 
The same as happens with the entire of a plant when perse¬ 
vering mutilation is practised on the trunk, though it sprouts 
up again with buds when only cut down at the neck : compari¬ 
sons such as which it was that first led me to this practice in 
canker. There being, however, strong objection to using the 
acid in a liquid state, I endeavoured, without weakening its 
action, to convert it into a state of paste, with which view I 
mixed it up with calcined alum (Alumen exsiccatum). By this 
and other mixtures I have obtained the happiest results. 
Curative Treatment. —When we have one or more 
cankers to treat, we should first pare the feet out; since, should 
the horse not be a patient one, he will have to be cast, to fix 
the diseased feet, to properly prepare and dress them. In 
removing all dead and detached horn from the sound, take care 
to spill as little blood as possible. This done, and any hemor¬ 
rhage that may have been unavoidably occasioned by it stopped, 
caustic, No. 5 (prescribed at the end of the article) is to be spread 
upon the diseased parts with a wooden spatula, and this operation 
is to be repeated every morning for five days: dressing any feet that 
may be unavoidably exposed to moisture twice (instead of once) 
a-day, it being of the utmost consequence to defend them from 
the wet. On the sixth day we may, if advisable, with a 
drawing knife attempt the separation of the eschar or slough. 
After which, pursue the same treatment as before for five days 
longer, and so on until the fungi be reduced. The ulceration 
then putting on a favourable aspect, secretion of horn returns as 
usual, the cicatrization being promoted by applying, daily, 
powder No. 4. Should the powder not adhere when the 
parts begin to heal, they may be wetted with the liquid No. 3. 
The application of the caustic paste very much promotes the 
growth of the horn, and this sometimes proves embarrassing in 
the course of cure. In my present practice I generally aid 
the separation of the sloughs by enveloping the foot in a 
poultice. When but one foot is cankered, the dressing may be 
applied with more severity. The cure of canker is always to 
be undertaken so long as the coronet is not affected; though, 
with my plan, I have succeeded even under such extension of 
the disease. 
