196 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



POLL EVIL. 



Poll evil is similar to fistula, only in a different location on 

 the poll just back of the ears. It is an inflammation of the parts 

 named, and pus may burrow down between the muscles until it 

 reaches and causes disease of the bones. 



Causes. The cause is an injury of some kind, as blows, the 

 horse striking his nead while passing through a low doorway, 

 and the wearing of badly fitting halters and bridles. It is also 

 said to be caused by too tight reining. 



Symptoms. The heat, pain, and swelling of the parts soon 

 follow the injury, whatever kind it may be. Swelling continues, 

 an abscess forms, and pus is discharged, at which time the swell- 

 ing goes down. Pipes are formed, which may extend in all direc- 

 tions, and the poll soon becomes one mass of disease. The animal 

 protrudes his head, and on handling the inflamed parts pain is 

 manifested. In some cases the swelling is so slight as to be over- 

 looked, especially in those cases where the mane hides the dis- 

 eased parts. 



Treatment. As poll evil is the same kind of a disease as 

 fistula, only situated in a different place, it requires the same 

 kind of treatment as recommended for fistula, which see. 



FISTULA. 



A fistula really means a pipe or duct which leads from a cavity 

 to the surface of the body, through which a discharge is con- 

 stantly taking place. A fistula may then exist at any part, but 

 it is commonly understood to mean a diseased condition of the 

 withers. In this article it means disease of the withers. 



