POLL-EVIL. 215 



the neck. If not dispersed, or ^''put haclc,^^ the inflammation goes 

 on until matter is formed, which points to the surface, and the 

 tumor breaks, discharging a large quantity of thick, offensive 

 matter. It shows no disposition to heal, but continues to dis- 

 charge; the ulcer, for such it nosv is, burrows deej)er and 

 deeper among the parts in which it is located, causing stiffness 

 of the neck, and finally divides into sinuses, or what are com- 

 monly called pipes, which run in different directions, involving 

 the most of the muscles of the neck, rendering the horse a 

 most loathsome object. 



Causes. — Among the causes commonly recognized as pro- 

 ducing this disease are, the pressure of a tight headstall, the 

 reining down of the head with a martingale which stretches 

 the muscles of the poll too tight, striking the head against 

 the wall or joists when too low, or against any other object. 

 Blows dealt on the poll have doubtless brought it on. Dr. 

 Dadd suggests that neglecting to keep the part clean, passing 

 it by in grooming, may give rise to an irritation of the skin 

 which will ultimately degenerate into poll-evil. Any violence 

 to the part which is the seat of the disease may cause it. 

 The same remarks made with regard to the scrofulous char- 

 acter of fistula are equally true with regard to poll-evil. 



Treatment. — The principles on which poll-evil is treated are 

 the same as the treatment of fistula: First, discuss or "put 

 back" the disease before matter is formed; second, if matter 

 is formed, let it come to a head, or hasten it with poultices ; 

 third, open the tumor or abscess freely, so that the matter will 

 more readily run out; fourth, use such medicines as will 

 cause the hardened walls of the abscess to soften, and leave 

 a healthy, healing ulcer. 



The treatment necessary to accomplish these objects is the 

 very same as recommended for fistula, and the manner of 

 using the remedies is the same. The abscess in poll-evil, 

 after it has been opened at the top, may readily be opened at 

 the bottom. Find at which side the cavity of the abscess lies; 



