XX. 

 DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND NECK. 



DISEASE OF THE EAR. 



The ear of the horse seldom is the seat of any disease; the dog, 

 however, is subject to well-known forms of disease of the ear — 

 namely, internal and external canker. The horse sometimes suf- 

 fers from an irritation of 

 the ear, due to a parasite, 

 or from eczema. 



POLL EVIL. 



This is a fistulous ulcer 

 situated on the supero- 

 posterior portion of the 

 cranium, immediately be- 

 hind the ears of the horse, 

 and is caused by acci- 

 dental violence. At first 

 a soft, fluctuating tumor 

 is seen, surrounded by 

 swelling and stiffness of 

 the neck; soon the inflam- 

 mation of the surround- 

 ing tissue subsides, leaving 

 a prominent swelling — a 

 serous abscess. 



Tkeatment. — The trouble is seldom noticed in time to reduce 

 the inflammation by applying cold water, and afterward iodine. 

 It is generally noticed after pus has already formed. The ab- 

 scess should be laid open at once, to the bottom, if possible, and 

 the wound should be kept open for some time. Treat as an ordi- 

 nary abscess. If the abscess has already burst, discharging a 

 fetid," unhealthy pus, the disease will be found to have assumed 

 a most formidable aspect. 



(282) 



Fig. 74-Poll Evil. 



