240 POLL-EVIL. 



muscular substance. Having reached the larynx, they divide into three 

 branches, the external, the internal, and the ramus anastomaticus ; the 

 first goes to every part of the face, the second to the brain, and the thu'd 

 to join the vertebral artery. 



The vertebral arteries run through canals in the bones of the neck, with 

 the exception of the seventh, supplying the neighbouring parts as they 

 advance, and at length form the junction before stated with the third 

 branch of the carotid, and ramify on and supply the brain. 



Few cases can happen in which it would be either necessary or justifiable 

 to bleed from an artery. Even in mad-staggers the bleeding is more 

 practicable, safer, and more effectual, from the jugular vein than from the 

 temporal or any other artery. If an artery is opened in the direction in 

 which it runs, there is sometimes very great difficulty in stopping the 

 bleeding; it has even been necessary to tie the vessel in order to accomplish 

 this purpose. If the artery is cut across, its coats are so elastic that the 

 two ends are often immediately di-awn apart under the flesh at each side, 

 and are thereby closed ; and after the first gush of blood no more can be 

 obtained. 



THE VEINS OF THE NECK. 



The external veins which return the blood from the head to the heart 

 are the jugulars. The horse has but one on either side. The human 

 being and the ox have two. The jugular takes its rise from the base of 

 the skull ; it then descends, receiving other branches in its way towards 

 the angle of the jaw and behind the parotid gland ; and emerging thence, 

 and beinof united to a laro'e branch from the face, it takes its coui-se down 

 the neck. Veterinary surgeons and horsemen have agreed to adopt the 

 jugular, a httle Avay below the union of these two branches, as the usual 

 place for bleeding ; and a very convenient one it is, for it is easily got at, 

 and the vessel is large. The manner of bleeding, and the states of con- 

 stitution and disease in which it is proper, will be hereafter spoken of. 



POLL-EVIL. 



From the horse rubbing and sometimes striking his poll against the 

 lower edge of the manger, or hanging back in the stall and bruising the 

 part with the halter, — or from the frequent and painful stretching of the 

 ligaments and muscles by uimecessary tight reining, and, occasionally, 

 from a violent blow on the poll, carelessly or wantonly inflicted, inflamma- 

 tion ensues, and a swelling appears, hot, tender, and painful. It used to 

 be a disease of frequent occui-rence, but it is now, from better treatment 

 of the animal, of comparatively rare occurrence. 



It has just been stated that the ligament of the neck passes over the 

 atlas, or first bone, without being attached to it, and the seat of inflamma- 

 tion is between the ligament and the bone beneath ; and being thus deeply 

 situated, it is serious in its nature and difficult of treatment. 



Another cause, especially amongst cart-horses, is the injury inflicted to 

 the poll by forcing a small collar over the animal's head. To these also 

 may be added hereditary predisposition. Many instances are on record 

 of the stock from parents suffering from poll-evil becoming affected 

 with the same disease. 



The first thing to be attempted is to abate the inflammation by bleeding, 

 physic, and the appHcation of cold lotions to the part. In a very early 

 period of the case, a bhster might have considerable effect. Strong purga- 

 tives should also be employed. By these means the tumour will sometimes 

 be dispei'sed. This system, however, must not be pursued too far. K the 

 swelling increases, and the heat and tenderness likewise increase, matter 



