50 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



can' possibly collect in and lodge there. Gentle pressure 

 should be used to squeeze the whole of the matter out. 

 After this nothing more will be required except to keep it 

 clean and occasionally fomented with warm water. If taken 

 at an early stage of the disease, what we have recommended 

 will generally effect a cure. 



On the other hand, should the ulcer spread and deepen 

 and affect the ligaments of the vertebrae of the neck, the 

 edges of the wound must be stimulated by nitrate of silver 

 or caustic, to induce a healthy action into the muscular fibre, 

 and excite it to granulate. When the interior of the abscess 

 has assumed a callous appearance, it may be necessary to 

 syringe it out with a very weak solution of nitrate of silver 

 mixed with rose-water. Should this not have the effect of 

 inducing a healthy condition, then it will be necessary to 

 have the services of a regular veterinary surgeon. 



It is sometimes requisite to divide the ligament which 

 passes over the occipital bone, in order to expose the interior 

 of the abscess to the action of caustic applications. But 

 no danger to the horse will result from this, as perfect 

 re-union of the divided ends of the ligament will take place 

 in two or three days. 



The cord used as a seton should be wet with the following 

 mixture : — 



Corrosive sublimate . . ^ drachm, 

 Spirit of wine . . 2 ounces. 



The cord should be cut off and united at both ends by 

 wrapping a thread round it, and pulled round several times 

 during the twenty-four hours, taking care to wipe the part 

 which has been in the abscess, and also to wet the por- 

 tion whi(;h is to remain in it for a time, with the above 

 solution. 



