64 THE VET ERIN AEI AN 



POLL EVIL 



Poll Evil is so-called because it occurs in the region of 

 tlie poll. It is not a constitutional disease, but comes, 

 no doubt, from well marked causes, as from inflammation 

 set up and involving the bones and muscles in the region 

 of the poll, and perhaps of the larger ligament. Owing 

 to the low vitality of the parts and the action of the head 

 in taking food, etc., the pus is apt to burrow deep into the 

 muscles. 



Cause: Direct or indirect injury. A common cause 

 is striking the head against a low doorway or an ill-fitting 

 halter or bridle. 



Symptoms: Swelling just back of the ears on one or 

 both sides of the head. The animal stands with the nose 

 out; slight heat in the parts, pain on pressure. In the 

 first stages, it is merely inflammatory action. The second 

 stage is suppuration, or there may be great swelling in 

 some cases when there is but little pus formed. 



In other cases there is profuse suppuration and the 

 pus makes its way out and discharges to the surface and 

 sinuses are formed, which extend in various directions. 

 Any abscess in this region is called Poll Evil. 



Treatment : When the enlargement is first noticed in 

 the region of the poll, I would advise the following : Red 

 Iodide of Mercury, four drams; Lard, four ounces, rub 

 in well over the enlargement and perhaps this will pre- 

 vent sinuses from forming, but when the cases are long 

 standing and so-called pipes are formed, I would advise 

 that you secure the services of an accomplished Veteri- 

 narian. 



PETECHIAL FEVER 

 (Purpura Haemorrhagica) 



Cause: Constitutional weakness following some de- 

 bilitating disease such as Distemper, Pink Eye, Catarrh 

 and even following operations, when an animal becomes 

 weak and from want of exercise, in which case it generally 

 appears during his recovery. It is not infectious and 



