THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 363 



the usual manner, as tight as circumstances permit. On the 

 following day the bandage is to be removed, the part washed 

 and dressed, and a small quantity of tincture of iodine injected, 

 and bandaged as before. This treatment must be followed up 

 for several days, at the end of which, should the discharge have 

 decreased, and other symptoms appear favorable, the chances are 

 in favor of a cure. Our object in this treatment is to excite ad- 

 hesive inflammation, by means of which, accompanied by pres- 

 sure, the surfaces of the interior are glued together. 



Cases, however, occur which set at defiance all our skill. In 

 such the ligamentary, tendinous, fleshy, and bony structures are 

 involved, perhaps accompanied with fistulas, running in various 

 directions, like so many pipes or drains ; and the difficulty of 

 closing the latter is, that they acquire a mucous lining ; and all 

 mucous canals are very difficult to unite. The only remedy in 

 such cases is the knife : the part must be laid open and all fistu- 

 lous pipes dissected out. Should a portion of bone be diseased, 

 that must also be removed. The chasm is then to be cleansed 

 with a solution of chloride of lime, or pyroligneous acid ; its 

 edges brought together by suture, leaving an orifice at the lower 

 part for the discharge of matter. Our object must still be to 

 heal by adhesion, as already described. Should we fail in this, 

 and the part assume a morbid type, inject and dress it with 



Spirits of turpentine, ^ 



Pyroligneous acid, > . . . equal parts. 



Linseed oil, } 



Fir balsam has also a very good effect on indolent and morbid 

 parts. So soon, however, as the parts show a disposition to heal, 

 dress with tincture of aloes and myrrh. 



Our treatment must not be altogether of a local character ; we 

 must attend to the general health, and keep the bowels soluble. 

 Sulphur, sassafras, and cream of tartar are the best remedies. 



FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 



This disease does not differ from the preceding one, except in 

 location : fistula of the withers, however, is more common than 

 poll evil ; and this arises in consequence of the withers being 



