4<» J3UKEAU OF AXIMAL IXDUSTKY. 



against the haj'rack, beams of the ceiling, low doors, etc. Fistulous 

 ■withers are seen mostly in those horses that have thick necks as well 

 as those that are very high in the withers; or, among saddle horses, 

 those that are verj'^ low on the withers, the saddle here riding forward 

 and bruising the parts. They are often caused by bad-fitting collars 

 or saddles, by direct injuries from blows, and from the horse rolling 

 upon rough or sharp stones. In either of these locations, ulcers of the 

 skin, or simple abscesses, if not properly and punctually treated, may 

 become fistulas. The pus burrows and finds lodgment deep down 

 between the muscles, and escapes onl}' when the sinus becomes sur- 

 charged or when, during motion of the parts, the matter is forced to 

 the surface. 



Symptoms. — These, of course, will vary according to the progress 

 made by the fistula. Following an injur}' we may often notice sore- 

 ness or stifi'riess of the front legs, and upon careful examination of the 

 withers we will see small tortuous lines running from the point of 

 irritation downward and backward over the region of the shoulder. 

 These are superficial lymphatics, and are swollen and painful to the 

 touch. In a day or two a swelling is noticed on one or both sides of 

 the dorsal vertebrae, which is hot and painful and rapidly enlarging. 

 The stiffness of the limbs may disappear at this time, and the heat and 

 soreness of the parts may become less noticeable, but the swelling 

 remains and continues to enlarge. 



A fistulous ulcer of the poll ma}^ be first indicated by the opposition 

 which the animal offers to the application of stable brush or bridle. 

 At this time the parts are so sore and sensitive that there is some 

 danger that the patient will acquire disagreeable stable habits unless 

 handled with the greatest care. The disease in its early stages may be 

 recognized as a soft, fluctuating tumor surrounded by inflammatory 

 swelling, with the presence of enlarged lymphatic vessels and stiffness 

 of the neck. Later the inflammation of the surrounding tissues may 

 disappear, leaving a prominent tumor. The swelling, whether situ- 

 ated upon the head or the withers, may open and form a running ulcer, 

 or its contents ma}'^ dry up and leave a tumor which gradually develops 

 the common characteristics of a fibrous tumor. When the enlarge- 

 ment has opened we should caref ulh^ examine its cavity, as upon its con- 

 dition will wholly depend our treatment. 



Treatmsnt. — In the earliest stage, when there is soreness, enlarged 

 lymphatics, but no well-marked swelling, the trouble may frecjuently 

 be aborted. To do this requires both general and local treatment. 

 A physic should be given, and the horse receive 1 ounce of pow- 

 dered saltpeter three times a day in his Avater or feed. If the fever 

 runs high, 20-drop doses of tincture of aconite root every two hours 

 may be administered. The local application of cold water to the 

 inflamed spot for an hour at a time three or four times a day has 



