POLL-EVIL. 49 



neck which passes over the atlas-bone. Tliis ligament is 

 not attached to the bone, and the disease is consequently 

 seated between it and the bone itself. It is being thus 

 deeply seated which frequently renders it so difficult to cure. 

 Before the swelling becomes very conspicuous, the part is 

 very hot, and painful when touched, which can easily be 

 noticed from the motion of the horse. 



Cause. — The poll-evil is too frequently occasioned by a 

 severe blow on the poll of the neck, given by ill-tempered 

 and unmerciful riders or grooms ; at other times it is brought 

 on by the horse striking his head against the manger, or by 

 the ligaments being too much stretched by severely tight 

 reining. But, from whatever cause the malady proceeds, it 

 frequently becomes exceedingly troublesome and tedious to 

 cure. 



EE:\iEr)TES. — Before suppuration takes place, every mean^ 

 should be adopted to suppress the inflammation, and, if 

 poi:sible, to disperse the swelling. ]\Iedicines of a laxative 

 kind should be administered, and bleeding resorted to, and 

 also cold lotions applied. This treatment will often have the 

 effect of reducing the tumour. But if it is found that the 

 swelling continues in spite of these, other means must be 

 resorted to, and applications to facilitate the ripening of the 

 tumour must be adopted. This will be best effected by 

 poultices, warm fomentations, and stimulating embrocations. 

 Care must, however, be taken not to allow suppuration to 

 ensue of its own accord. The progress of the disease must 

 be narrowly watched, and when sufficiently advanced, 

 which will be kno%vn by the softness of the tumour, it 

 must be opened with a lancet, and afterwards kept open by 

 means of a seton. The needle, with the cord attached to it^ 

 must penetrate the apex of the ulcer, and be forced out a 

 little way below the bottom of the abscess, so that no mattei 



