FISTULA IN THE WITHERS. 61 



tion, and a low door-way or loft floor may cause bruises. 

 The disease is slow and hard to cure. It will penetrate 

 to the bone, and has been known to cause pressure upon 

 the brain. 



As poll-evil is the result of mismanagement, its best 

 remedy is the avoidance of the cause. For remedy, see 

 ' Fistula' (page GO). 



FISTULA IN THE WITHERS, 



Like poll-evil, is the result of mismanagement and in- 

 juries. The withers are usually injured by saddles, har- 

 ness-pads, and collars. In chronic cases, or what may be 

 called the third stage, the disease will penetrate to and 

 cause disease of the bone, as in poll-evil. 



The first stage of the fistula is a tumor. It may be 

 swelled, hot, and tender, or it may be indolent, mani- 

 festing neither heat nor tenderness. The former requires 

 a cooling lotion, applied with linen; the latter, which 

 usually has an eschar (crust or scab) on its summit, re- 

 quires a bagged bran poultice, confined by a surcingle. 



Fig. 1 2. Fistulous Withers ; worst stage. 



The formation of pus may be called the second stage 

 of the disease. Some of the sinuses or holes are of such 

 depth that ordinary probes are useless. When practicable, 

 the abscess should be laid open, to afford vent for the 

 pus. When not practicable, a counter-opening may ac- 



