After some time, the dressings may be lengthened to every third day, but should not be carried to the distance which some practitioners recommend. When so long a period elapses between each examination, the foul and irritating discharge, being confined, does more injury than the delay can possibly produce good.
THE BOTTOM OF A HORSE'S FOOT
WHICH HAS BEEN DRESSED FOR
CANKER, SHOWING HOW THE
CROSS PIECES ARE PLACED AND
FIXED.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN A CANKERED FOOT.
1. That portion of a cankered foot which is advancing
toward a healthy condition.
2. Canker in a mitigated form, but still present.
In the plan of treatment here proposed, the chief reliance is placed on the action of chloride of zinc. It is the peculiar property of that agent to suppress fungoid granulations. The author has some experience in the use of this salt. Whenever he gave it to a groom to apply, and subsequently he found the wound clogged with proud flesh, the man was accused of having neglected to employ the lotion. The evidence on which the charge was made never, in a single instance, proved erroneous. To suppress fungoid granulation is to cure canker.
The application here advised is, moreover, cleanly. It is the most powerful disinfectant. It does not discolor, like the messes now in general use. It is more gentle in its action than undiluted sulphuric acid, etc. etc. It will cause none of those terrible fits of agony, during which all applications have to be removed, while the foot has to be bathed and poulticed. Notwithstanding all authors agree that the absence of water and the presence of pressure are indispensable to the cure of canker, the frequent dressings will not endanger the life, nor leave the foot in that condition which entails a deformed hoof upon the horse for the remainder of its existence.