106 fiAtSfiS, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OP 



to terminate in suppuration, and anchylosis and necrosis of the bones 

 are frequent. 



Causes. — It is usually the result of direct or indirect injury. A com- 

 mon cause is striking the head against a low door-way ; another is an 

 ill-fitting head halter or bridle, or a yoke put on to prevent him from 

 jumping, or any foreign body puncturing the muscles, or fracture of the 

 superior spinous processes, which are likely to become necrosed, and set 

 up inflammation ; unnaturally tight reining is said to be a cause. 



Symptoms. — There is more or less swelling ; the animal stands with 

 the nose out ; slight heat in the parts ; pressure upon the parts causes 

 pain. In the first stage it is merely inflammatory action. The second 

 stage is suppuration, and there may be great swelling in some cases, 

 when there is but little matter formed. In other cases there is diffuse 

 suppuration, and the matter makes its way out and dischages to the sur- 

 face, and sinuses are formed extending in various directions, and some- 

 times the exudation becomes organized and produces an enlargement. 

 Any abscess in this region is called poll-evil. 



Treatment. — If called before suppuration has taken place, while in the 

 inflammatory stage, just apply remedies to bring about resolution ; 

 foment and keep the animal quiet ; keep the head tied up and poultice 

 with linseed meal, bran, boiled turnips, etc., but do not apply a heavy 

 poultice, but just enough to keep moisture and warmth to the parts. 

 Use a mild liniment -the camphorated is good. Sometimes the inflam- 

 matory action ceases, and the skin remains thickened ; then use a blister 

 One part each of iodine and iodide of potassium to four of lard, is of 

 benefit. But after the inflammatory process has terminated in suppura- 

 tion, the treatment is different. It should be to make a free incision, 

 and allow the matter to escape freely, and if this is done in proper time 

 the sinuses will not often form ; tie the head up, and prevent motion. 

 If an animal is turned on pasture, the sinuses are more likely to form 

 from the continued motion. Syringe the parts out well with tepid or 

 cold water. Use carbolic acid — one part to twenty, thirty or forty of 

 water; or corrosive sublimate— five grains to an ounce of water. But 

 if sinuses are formed it is still more diflicult. It may be treated by 

 caustics, corrosive sublimate, nitrate of silver, etc., but I recommend the 

 free use of the knife. It is generally advisable to throw the animal and, 

 in cutting, follow the course of the sinuses, and open them up well. 

 (Sometimes a seaton does very well.) It is sqmetimes necessary to 

 divide the ligamentum nuchae, and when you do a great gaping wound is 

 the result, and there may be new tissue formed, and you may have to cut 

 out some of this. After using the knife, use caustics. I generally use 

 corrosive sublimate — five to ten grains to one ounce of water. Saturate 

 some cotton or tow and put this in the place. Devise some means to 

 allow water to run upon it for an hoar or two each day, and feed from a 

 high trough, and feed pretty well, which will benefit the healing process. 

 Use tonics, diuretics, etc., especially if the limbs swell. You may have 

 to remove part of the bone. There may remain a stiff neck, but it does 

 not interfere with the animal much. 



Injuries from being halter-cast. There may be very alarming 

 symptoms. Perhaps, after the animal is released, he cannot raise 

 the head, and if allowed to remain in this position there may be con- 

 gestion, the result of the irritation, or mechanical congestion, giving 

 rise to alarming symptoms The muscles or the transverse processes 

 may be injured, and produce wry neck ; the nose may be almost to the 

 ground, the lips and nose swollen to a great extent. 



Treatment. — You will be apt to look upon such an injury as being a 



