Poll -evil 169 



carries his head with the nose protruded to get relief. 

 At first tlie poll -evil contains a yellowish water}- fluid. 

 This fluid, which later becomes pus, often burrows 

 between the muscles of the neck for considerable dis- 

 tances, and, if no opening is made, it ma}' finallj- break 

 through and discharge some distance from the seat 

 of the trouble. 



In the early stages, poll -evil can sometimes be 

 "scattered" by the application of cold water, followed 

 by thorough rubbing with a stimulating liniment, or 

 by applications of iodine, either the tincture or as an 

 ointment. These remedies may be applied until the 

 skin begins to get sore, when thej- should be withheld 

 for a few days. If the poll -evil is not scattered, it 

 must be opened as soon as pus can be detected. A 

 good-sized incision should be made as low as possible, 

 to give free drainage. The false membrane can be 

 dissected out with the knife or destroyed with a caustic. 

 Chlorid or "butter" of antimony, applied by means 

 of a swab to every portion of the lining membrane of 

 the cavity or the tubes which extend from it, is excellent. 

 Other caustics used for this purpose are a small piece 

 of lunar caustic placed in each cavity or tube, a small 

 lump of blue vitriol, or absorbent cotton wet with a 

 strong solution (one to one hundred) of corrosive sub- 

 limate. After using the caustic, the fistula should be 

 washed out once daily and a mild antiseptic used, such 

 as corrosive sublimate (one part to a thousand of 

 water), or one part carbolic acid to thirty parts of 

 water. Showering the parts once daily with cold 

 water from a hose is advisable. Pure tincture of iodine 



