rOLL-ETIL.] 



JIODKRN VETElilNAliY PliACTlCE. 



[roLt-rvii, 



more ausoejitiblo of it tlmii liorsca of any otiior 

 colour: at loast such has beeu observed to bo 

 the case ; and it is attributed to the delicacy of 

 constitution in light die.stnut aninmls, more 

 than to auytliiiiijj else. There is scarcely a case 

 of poll-evil that, either directly or indirectly, 

 arises from constitutional disposition. Hay- 

 seeds about the head may induce the liorse to 

 rub, and, in consequence, produce irritation ; 

 dragging back in the halter may occasion 

 bruises, and both of these actions may produce 

 ulceration. 



PoU-tfvil, when first discovered, will fre- 

 quently yield to repellent applications, of which 

 the following may be tried — - 



Sal-ammoniac 4 oz. 



Sugar of Lead 1 tlo. 



Vinegar 1 jnnt. 



Apply this lotion constantly to the poll of the 

 head, by keeping cloths on continually wet. 

 In applying the cloth, have it sufficiently large, 

 to allow two holes to be cut in it, so that it may 

 be passed easily over the horse's ears, by which 

 means it will be retained in its place. This 

 cloth can easily be renewed, or with a sponge 

 apply more of the lotion ; in the meantime 

 feed ou bran mashes, and give — 



Cape Aloes 6 drachms. 



Juniper Berries 2 do. 



Form with soft soap. 

 Let a ball, composed of these ingredients be 

 given twice a- week. 



Should the tumour appear stationary, and 

 the process of absorption not likely to com- 

 mence, great benefit has been found from ap- 

 plying a liquid blister, composed of — 



Cantharides , . 1 oz. 



Vinegar 3 do. 



Spirits of ^^'ine 1 do. 



Put these togetaer, in a bottle, and frequently 

 shake it. In eight or ten days it will be lit 

 for use. liub about two table-spoonfuls on 

 the tumour night and morning. 



"When all hopes of preventing an abscess 

 have ceased, it must then be promoted, by 

 stimulating tbe skin, and instead of poultices 

 or applications of warm water, the following 

 should be applied — 



Oil of Turjientine ~ oz. 



Oil of Olives 2 do. 



Eub this well into the swelling, night and 

 morning, until on pressure under the finger 



and thumb, it is found to fluctuate. When 

 the maturation ia pcrlect, which iiuiy be known 

 by tlie soft feel of the tumour, the next thinfj 

 to be taken into consideration is, to efl'ect tho 

 evacuation of tho contained matter, at the 

 most depending situation, to prevent tho for- 

 mation of sinuses. Nothing is so good in this 

 case as introducing setons on both sides of 

 tho neck. Should tliese act well, a speedy 

 cure may be anticipated. But when from im- 

 proper management, matter baa not onlv 

 formed, but has been suffered to remain, or 

 has only evacuated itself by a superficial open- 

 ing either natural or artificial, and not from 

 one in a depending situation, whereby a re- 

 accumulation of pus has taken place, the con- 

 sequence is that the ligaments have taken on 

 disease, which may have extended under the 

 cervical ligament, leaving it hollow below. In 

 such cases the healthy secretion always ceases, 

 and instead of it a thin ichorous or glairy dis- 

 charge is set up. This ichorous matter pene- 

 trates into the interstices of the muscles, when 

 sinuses become formed in every direction, and 

 if not speedily relieved, caries of the bones of 

 the neck is the consequence. From this ne- 

 glect, or bad treatment of the disease, horses 

 may frequently be seen with what is called a 

 stiff neck, poking their noses and heads out in 

 the most disagreeable manner imaginable. To 

 prevent these eflects active measures should 

 be taken. An experienced veterinary surgeon, 

 who can handle the scalpel with dexterity and 

 confidence, should, at once, be called in, and the 

 horse immediately cast. "When this has been 

 done, a careful examination should be made 

 with the probe and the finger, that the extent 

 and direction of the sinuses may be ascertained. 

 This should not be negligently or slightly done 

 so as to have a doubt upon the mind, but with 

 the utmost precision and certainty. As you 

 have got the horse confined, and fairly under 

 your command, the most critical examination 

 must be made, for the cure will greatly depend 

 upon this, and the horse, to a large extent, be 

 relieved from unnecessary pain. In making 

 this examination the finger will be found of 

 much more service than the probe ; therefore, 

 carefully examine the ulcer with it, more espe- 

 cially, if caries should have taken place ; for 

 this must be dissected out before a cure caa 

 possiblv be eioected. Of these things the old 



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