the modern horse doctor. 361 



POLL EVIL. 



" Poll evil results either from neglect or abuse." 



Poll evil generally makes its appearance about the nape of the 

 neck, in the form of an inflammatory swelling, which, if not ar- 

 rested, ends in abscess and fistula. It generally proceeds from 

 blows or bruises. Horses that are located in low-roofed stables 

 are apt to strike the poll against the beams or ceiling; and a 

 frequent repetition of the act always ends in induration or poll 

 evil. Some horses are very restless in the stall, and are con- 

 stantly jerking their heads upward, especially if tethered too 

 short ; in consequence, the parts which come in contact with the 

 upper part of the head-stall are bruised ; the injury is not often 

 perceived until considerable tumefaction and unhealthy suppura- 

 tion have set in ; the case then becomes exceedingly difficult to 

 cure, and may wear out the patience of all concerned. Exces- 

 sive friction on the nape of the neck, from bridle or halter, or 

 the pressure of either on the parts, from their being fastened on 

 the head too tightly, are most fertile in producing this malady. 

 Other causes are operative in producing poll evil that we shall 

 just barely allude to, (merely in view of prevention.) It is well 

 known that the poll is a part which very seldom makes the ac- 

 quaintance of either brush or currycomb ; yet it is the recep- 

 tacle for considerable dust and filth : owing to the accumulation 

 of either, a cutaneous eruption arises, the itching sensation of 

 which causes the horse to rub whenever he can get a chance ; 

 the evil goes on, until what was at first superficial now be- 

 comes deep-seated, by mere contiguity of tissue. The bungling 

 and oftentimes cruel manner of forcing a small collar on a large 

 horse — pulling first this way and then that, now a tug, then a 

 jerk, and perhaps a blow with the whip stick — is not inoper- 

 ative, to say the least, in producing this malady. Some men are 

 in the constant habit of bracing the horse's head downward with 

 the martingale, so as to bring the mouth and chest in close prox- 

 imity ; and they seldom consider that the strain comes on the 

 horse's poll : the pressure of the bridle from without, and the 

 unyielding nature of the bones of the neck, bruise the interme- 



