THE FISTULA. 189 



found it to fail, if properly dressed. If any fung- 

 ous, or proud flesh, should appear between the 

 times of dressing, it may be touched with the 

 styptic (No. 139, p. 186). After the horse has 

 been dressed a third time, it will be proper to 

 take some blood from him, and to give him a 

 purging ball or two ; such as (No. 2 or 3, p. 22), 

 or (No. 6, p. 24). Afterwards he may have a few 

 of the balls (No. 87, p. 123), which will be found 

 useful in these cases. 



CHAP. XL. 



OF THE FISTULA, AND BRUISES IN THE WITHERS. 



This is a kind of ulcer, which generally begins 

 on the top of the withers, and is small at first, 

 but soon enlarges and spreads on one or both sides. 

 It commonly proceeds from bruises occasioned by 

 the collar, or the saddle, and sometimes from blows 

 given by accident. I have known some that have 

 proceeded from a bad habit of body, which have 

 proved the most difficult to cure. 



The fistula is easily prevented, if attended to in 

 time, under proper treatment; but when left to 

 the management of unskilful persons, they, for the 

 most part, terminate in very obstinate ulcers; if 



