62 THE ARMY HORSE. 



Fistulous urithers. 



(Plate XI, Fig. 1.) 



Fistulous withers is an abscess (gathering) having a more or 

 less chronic discharge of pus from one or more openings situ- 

 ated in the immediate vicinitj^ of the withers; it may involve 

 only the soft structures, or the bones may also be aifected; it 

 is caused by a bruise, and generally, in the army, by a bruise 

 from an ill-fitting saddle. 



Treatment. — Treat as explained under "Abscesses." If, after 

 a reasonable length of time, results are not satisfactory^, a surgi- 

 cal operation is necessary. 



Poll evil. 



(Plate XI, Fig. 2.) 



Poll evil is the result of a bruise on the poll. It is similar 

 to fistulous withers, and should receive the same treatment. 



ABRASIONS. 



An abrasion, or chafe, is an inflammation of the skin, result- 

 ing from friction. Parts of the equipment frequently wear 

 away the hair and leave the skin raw and tender. 



Treatment. — One ounce of tannic acid in a pint of witch- 

 hazel is especially valuable for collar chafes; zinc oxide as a 

 dusting powder is effective and the white lotion is always bene- 

 ficial. In emergencies, bathe the parts with cold water to 

 which a little salt has been added. 



Rope hum. 



Rope burn is an abrasion, usually at the back of the pastern, 

 and caused by the animal becoming entangled in the halter 

 shank, picket line, or lariat. The injury ma}^ be simply a 

 chafe of the superficial layer of the skin or it may involve the 

 deeper structures. In the latter case it is of a serious nature 

 and requires careful attention. 



Treatment. — If possible, give the animal complete rest. Clip 

 the hair from the injured parts, at the same time removing any 

 torn skin; wash with some good antiseptic, such as solution of 

 creolin or carbolic acid, and apply a dusting powder, such as 

 zinc oxide or iodoform, the former preferably. Apply a pad 

 of clean cotton and secure with a cotton bandage; change the 

 dressing daily. Should the parts be slow in healing, an occa- 

 sional dressing of tincture of iodine is beneficial, and good re- 



