FISTULOUS WITHERS. ^ 463 



injecting into it the lotion composed of chloride of zinc and 

 water. A more active escharotic than this will be found in 

 the following : — 



Chloride of zinc a scruple. 



Water four ounces. 



When the slough, which the above mixture will occasion, 

 has been cast off, dress with the milder lotion, formed of 

 the same ingredients ; and if, after this, healthy matter 

 shows itself, and granulations arise, the cure will progress. 

 If the discharge again becomes ichorous, and the sore looks 

 unhealthy, at the end of a week or ten days from the first, 

 repeat the operation as before. 



FISTULOUS WITHERS. 



When a saddle has continued to press on the withers, 

 either by its ill fitting, or the improper management of an 

 incautious rider for a whole day, and the evil has, perhaps, 

 been repeated the next, the consequence is frequently an 

 inflamed tumour, which is produced by the enlargement of 

 one of the bursse in connexion with the dorsal spines. 

 This should be immediately laid open, and subsequently 

 treated after the manner explained under the head of 

 Warbles. When this is not done, the whole hardens. Sup- 

 puration generally takes place within the part. The 

 strong fascia on the back prevents the pus escaping. It 

 becomes unhealthy, being confined : it absorbs, thus creat- 

 ing numerous pipes, and a case of fistulous withers is esta- 

 blished. Should the attention be called to a case that has 

 proceeded to a fistulous state, treat exactly in the same 

 manner as with poll evil. Instances have occurred where 

 the matter has penetrated under the scapula, and made its 

 way to the point of the elbow or the front of the breast : in 

 these cases a depending orifice should be made, and a seton 

 introduced through the whole extent of the sinus ; for which 

 purpose seton-needles of sufficient length, with their points 

 guarded to prevent them injuring important vessels, are 

 manufactured. Occasionally the disease extends and in- 

 volves the dorsal spines. The stench will speak aloud 

 when the bones are affected. When the bones are diseased, 

 slit up the fistula, and scrape them, until a healthy surface 

 is exposed ; after which, the milder lotion of chloride of 



