30 TREATMENT OF DISEASES 



it acts on the spines of the dorsal vertebroe, and parts of thera un- 

 dergo ulceration, become detached, and finally have to be removed. 

 In some cases of this character the stench arising from the same is 

 almost intolerable, and at times the discharge is very copious, and 

 in running over the shoulders denudes the parts of hair, and occa- 

 sions superficial sores. The acrimonious and morbid condition of 

 such matter is probably owing to a bad habit of body, or vitiation 

 of the solids and fluids, which must be corrected by tonics, altera- 

 tives, and suitable diet, ere the disease can be arrested. 



Treatment of Fistulous Withers. — When the small tumor 

 (skin unbroken) is first discovered, a cold water dressing is to be 

 applied, by means of a bandage. I usually apply a wet sponge, and 

 confine it to the spot with a surcingle, frequently wetting the sponge. 

 The patient should be confined to a light diet, and receive, in the 

 form of drench, six drachms of nitrate of potass (saltpetre.) After 

 the lapse of twenty-four hours, should this treatment fail to reduce 

 the tumor, and it has increased in size, it may be inferred that sup- 

 puration has commenced, and matter is forming beneath the skin. 

 So soon as matter, or pus, can be detected (its presence may be 

 known by the softening and fluctuation,) I advise that an opening 

 be made into it at its fewest margin, and large enough to admit of 

 a free and complete discharge of its contents ; the cavity should be 

 syringed out two or three times, with a small quantity of fluid ex- 

 tract of blood-root. It is important that this orifice should be kept 

 open for several days, or until the discharge has about ceased. This 

 is the most rational method of treating a case of this character in its 

 early stage. The same rule applies to the treatment of all abscesses 

 wherever situated, viz., whenever matter can be detected it should 

 be immediately liberated, lest contiguous parts be injured. 



In some cases, however, a spontaneous abscess makes its appear- 

 ance in the upper region of the shoulder blade, and often both sides 

 are the seat of the same. They cannot be traced to any local inju- 

 ry, for I have often known them to occur in colts that have never 

 been harnessed ; therefore I term them spontaneous. In such cases 

 I have found it best not to be in a hurry to open them, for suppura- 

 tion is generally tardy, does not do much damage, may depend on 

 morbid habit and morbid action ; which may be coiTected by a few 

 doses of iodide of potass and golden seal ; the dose of the same be- 

 ing as follows: Iodide of potass, fluid extract of golden seal — four 

 drachms per day. The local ai^plication in view of exciting absorp- 

 tion is composed of — 



Tincture of Iodine 2 ounces. 



Tincture of Blood-root 8 " 



Oil of Cedar 1 " 



Sulphuric Ether 1 " 



Mix, and rub into the tumefaction a portion of the above twice 

 daily. After a few days' trial of the above, if the tumor does not 

 decrease, but rather augments, the treatment must be discontinued; 

 and if it be advisable to open the abscess, it can bo done by moans 

 either of a lancet or seton. The after treatment consists in cleans- 

 ing the parts, and in securing an open orifice at the lower part of the 

 tumor, which will act as a drahi to carry ofl" the matter as fast as 



