DISEASES OF THE WITHERS. 767 



extend to the dorsal ligament or to tlie bones, the result will be 

 necrosis and caries, and a true diseased wWier will be the conse- 

 quence. With these conditions, lymphangitis, leucophlegmasia, 

 and deep abscesses may be expected, and usually supervene. 



The sloughing of the mortified structure is always slow, espe- 

 cially when the deeper tissues are involved, but the wound which 

 remains after the casting off of the core is not uniform in its sub- 

 sequent action. When it is superficial it heals quite rapidly, but 

 recovers only with great difficulty when it is deep-seated, and in- 

 volves fibrous, cartilaginous and bony structures. 



The prognosis of this lesion of the withers varies according to 

 the thickness of the tissues which are involved ; but it also varies 

 according to its location, those which are situated on the lateral 

 faces of the withers being less serious than those which occur on 

 the median line. 



The treatment indicated is strictly local. The first indication 

 is to discontinue, or obviate, the irritating cause, by changing 

 the harness, by chambering it, or, what is better, by refraining 

 from working the animal until he has entirely recovered. The 

 second indication is to hasten the sloughing of the mortified tis- 

 sue, and allay the irritability which the animal betrays upon the 

 slightest touch of the hand, or other object, upon his back. Top- 

 ical remedies in the form of ointments, lotions or poultices, are in- 

 dicated for this purpose. As soon as the process of sloughing 

 begins it must be stimulated and encouraged. Warm comj)resses, 

 antiseptic lotions, glycerine, phenial mixtures are then beneficial. 

 The maintenance of simple moisture, by means of phenicated or 

 creolined mixtiu-es has, in our own experience, been of great ad- 

 vantage. If during the process of the elimination of the core the 

 suppuration seems to be abundant with a tendency to accumulate 

 instead of escaping, care must be taken to facilitate its removal 

 by means of oakum, absorbing cotton, sponges or drainage 

 tubes. Sometimes the core is of unusual size, with roots reaching 

 deeply into the tissues beneath, but although this may be the 

 case, no attempt should ever be made to tear them forcibly away. 

 They must be permitted to drop away by spontaneous action. If 

 the edges are very wide they may be trimmed off with the scissors 

 or bistoury, but interference beyond this is never permissible. 

 When they have entirely sloughed away there remains but a simple 

 granulating wound, which ordinarily requires but mild forms of 



