WOUNDS. 237 



injury may seem to be of a trivial character, but, as a rule, 

 it is not such a simple condition as it appears to be, and the 

 veterinarian should be rather guarded in his prognosis, as 

 in the course of a few days, instead of resolution, extensive 

 suppuration, or even gangrene, may result. 



Symptoms. — The skin may, or may not be lacerated. There 

 is usually a considerable amount of heat and swelling, the 

 neck is stiff to a greater or less extent, and there is evi- 

 dently considerable pain, as the animal is usually very 

 averse to having the parts handled. 



Treatment. — The head is to be kept elevated. Fomenta- 

 tions should be used freely, and, if pus forms, make an 

 incision and allow it to escape. If this is not done, the pus 

 will burrow down between the muscles and constitute one of 

 the most troublesome conditions possible to have. If this 

 result should occur, as it sometimes does, in consequence of 

 improper or delayed treatment, or, as sometimes happens, 

 the animal receiving no treatment at all, an endeavour 

 should be made to get a dependent opening to allow the pus, 

 etc., to escape freely. To attain this object it may be found 

 necessary to make an opening extending through from one 

 side of the neck to the other. In some cases, a pretty good 

 recovery may take place ; in other cases a failure will be the 

 result. Sometimes, before a cure can be efiected, an open- 

 ing will have to be made below the cervical vertebrae, setons 

 inserted, etc. 



Collar Galls. — Collar galls are very common amongst 

 working horses. They are found in the region of the neck, 

 and are caused by a badly fitting or rough-seated collar, 

 which sets up irritation, resulting in a sort of serous tumour, 

 abrasions of the skin, etc., which being pressed upon by the 

 collar cause considerable pain and render the animal less 

 able to do his work. 



Treatment. — First remove the exciting cause, clip the 



