TREATMENT 



The assertion that all fistulas of the withers 

 might, to the best advantage, be submitted to 

 a uniform (standard) method of treatment is 

 a paradox. It is a paradox because such a 

 statement at first thought apparently false is 

 after all entirely true, as the treatment needs 

 to vary only in regard to its details. The same 

 general principles of management and treat- 

 ment may be laid down for all of them, no 

 matter from what source they originate, the 

 course they may have taken, or the stage in 

 which they are found when submitted for the 

 surgeon's deliberation. 



That certain fistulge of the withers do some- 

 times yield to lateral lancings and irrigations 

 is not denied, but that the great majority surely 

 but slowly develop into grave, enfeebling, in- 

 curable and often fatal afflictions in spite of 

 such treatment is equally true. 



It is, therefore, evident that prompt treat- 

 ment of the radical sort is indicated at an early 

 stage and before the infections of extraneous 

 origin have done a widespread damage to the 

 ligaments, bones and muscles, and before pus 

 has burrowed into the inaccessible recesses of 

 this complex region. 



