192 INJURIES. 



once by an incision ; this line of practice is excellent where 

 it can be adopted, but it is one seldom to be recommended 

 in poll-evil, on account of the substance to be cut through. 

 In laying so much stress upon these operations, it is far from 

 my desire to discountenance the simpler means of healing, 

 as medicated injections, and the employment of pressure , 

 from which have resulted beneficial effects. My object is to 

 impress upon the young veterinarian, that operating on poll- 

 evil often proves a more speedy cure than that which may 

 appear to be a safer mode of practice. 



The Dressings that have been employed in the cure of 

 poll-evil are by far too numerous for description, even were 

 the majority of them worthy of it, which they are not. A 

 better understanding of the nature of inflammation has led 

 to much improvement in our treatment in cases of this kind. 

 We have nearly, I hope, done with that ^' infernal practice'' 

 of pouring scalding hot dressings into the sinuses : a prac- 

 tice not warranted on the score of efficacy, and detestable 

 on that of humanity, more especially if we consider how 

 many milder dressings there are will answer as good an end. 

 Should we discover a healthy interior to the abscess, the 

 simpler our dressings are the better. Then freely dilate 

 the external wound, to expose the cavity, and dress it daily 

 Vvith some gently cleansing fluid. Such good fortune, how- 

 ever, we can hardly expect : we must anticipate sinuses, 

 sloughy ligamentous surfaces, carious bone, and even open 

 joints. When the sore is sloughy, and sinews, ligaments, 

 and bones are already laid bare, caustic dressings are to 

 be avoided, and such as are of a purifying nature employed. 

 Time must be given for sloughs^ and for exfoliations to be 

 detached : for, until these processes are completed, we are 

 not to expect granulation." The treatment must be guided 

 by the principles which are laid down to mitigate inflam- 



' The sloughing process, especially where bone is involved, is often much 

 promoted by the use of the nitric acid lotion. 



* Sloughs emit much ichorous and purulent discharge ; this makes the animal 

 in a filthy condition every time it is to be dressed. Much may be prevented by 

 powdering the surface vvith some absorbent powder — such as charcoal — and 

 greasing the hair upon which the discharge is likely to run. 



