1^ SYMPTOMS OF PlSTtllA : CURE. 



local aflection arising simply from partial injury, it will be necessary lo correct 

 the general habit of body, before a cure can be effected. The medicines besl 

 adapted for this purpose will of course be found under the head of "Farcy," 

 a few pages farther down. 



FISTULA IN THE WITHERS. 



Cause. — Although closely resembling poll-evil in so many respects as to 

 seem the self-same disorder arising from precisely the same causes, but differ- 

 ing in situation only, I must here premise that some other distinctions are 

 proper to be taken, which it will be necessary to keep in mind. We have 

 seen, a few pages higher up, that poll-evil may be produced without external 

 violence ; this never happens with fistula in the withers, which is always 

 brought on by external injury — namely, the galling of the saddle: in the first • 

 case the tumour frequently turns out a simple abscess, in the present case 

 never, but becomes fistulous at its very earhest stages. This arises from the 

 quantity of the membrane which is found in the shoulder and whole forehand 

 of the horse, in the cellular structure whereof the offensive matter finds an easy 

 receptacle, and spreads its ravages from side to side; and accumulating in 

 quantity, by its own specific gravity, finds its way, eventually, amongst the 

 muscles, and forms sinuses. How this operation of nature is performed, the 

 reader is instructed in the first book, at sections 26, 27. I have also descant- 

 ed somewhat at large, in the general introductory observations on this whole 

 series of disorders, as to the distinctions proper to be kept in mind between one 

 kind of tumour and another, how they are formed, and what description of 

 horses are mostly liable to this or that species of the disorder. At page 119 

 will this information be found, and which the reader would do well to consult 

 once more before he sets about treating his horse for fistula in the withers 

 The symptoms are most obvious to the touch, as in all inflammatory tumours, 

 the animal shrinking when the hand is passed over the shoulder from the 

 mane downwards. But the ill-formed saddle, or one that fits the particular 

 animal like nothing, or one that is so badly girthed on, that the poor beast may 

 be perceived going in great pain, shall be set down as the symptom of all symp- 

 toms, that the animal is destined to contract this particular disorder of the 

 parts so injured. Sometimes he tumbles down, or seems to trip frequently, 

 which should admonish its inconsiderate rider or driver, that his carelessness 

 is very likely to cost him a broken neck. 



Cure. — As soon as the journey can be brought to a close, which has been 

 thus improperly pursued, remove the cause and bathe the part well with the 

 cold saturnine lotion, and when the saddle has undergone the proper altera- 

 tions, the journey may be pursued, if necessity demand such an exertion. 



Cold Lotion. 



Subacetate of lead (goulard), 2 ounces. 



White vinegar, 4 ounces. 



Water, 3 quarts. — Mix, and apply with a sponge. 



Should not this p^-evail, and the horse evince pain at the touch, with in- 

 creased heat and tension, and swelling of the part commence, the disorder is 

 Crmfirmed; and if not repelled in its very earliest stages, suppuration must en- 

 sue. Let it be taken in time however — that is to say, in the course of a day 

 or two, or a week, with healthy active horses, is not too long — and the heat 

 and inflamn^ation will be reduced by employing the embrocation, recommend 

 C(l in incipient attack of poll-evil, at page 110, and giving at the same time ti»o 



