rrSTULA IN THE WITHERS. 193 



inflammation ; ever bearing in mind that our art consists 

 rather in removing impediments to healing, than in any 

 power to generate that process. Poll-evil is one of those 

 diseases which enjoin us to make a mental calculation as to 

 the probability of cure, that we may guard against censure 

 where we expect, and perhaps will have deserved, commen- 

 dation. The uncertainty of cure, and the time it will 

 occupy, are considerations which, set against the value 

 of the animal, in some cases suggest destruction on the 

 score of humanity as well as of pecuniary policy. 



FISTULA IN THE WITHERS. 



The liability of the ivithers to injury, from pressure, 

 pinching, or rubbing of the saddle, the harness-pad, or collar, 

 brings this part occasionally under our notice, though owing 

 to the improvements in saddlery, less frequently than in 

 past days. A case of fistula in a well-conducted establish- 

 ment would be discreditable : poll-evil and fistula both being 

 diseases resulting from mismanagement^ and not from un- 

 ■•avoidable causes. Not many years ago these maladies made 

 dreadful havoc among farmers^ teams, coach and post- 

 horses. I well remember how many baggage-horses and 

 mules we had in the Peninsula incapacitated from fistula, 

 owing to the bad construction of the pack- saddles ; indeed, 

 it was one of the chief considerations with a regiment of 

 cavalry on the march how to prevent these evils; and though, 

 now-a-days, things are much better ordered, yet it must be 

 borne in mind these are results that will occasionally happen 

 when horses^ backs become subjected to long-continued 

 pressure. There is no other prevention than gradually 

 inuring the parts to the amount of compression they are 

 required to endure. 



There are certain rules in fitting saddles which cavalry veterinary 

 surgeons in particular should be acquainted with. The first is, that the 

 saddle should bear upon the back, to the exclusion of the spine and 

 withers ; these last being parts which will not endure pressure. The 

 second is, that the saddle should have everywhere an equal bearing; 



I. 13 



