POLL EVIL. 987 



with caustics as explained, and the diseased bone by scraping. 

 Syringe out the parts well, first with castile soap and water, then 

 with a mild solution of blue vitriol, or carbolic acid and water; 

 after which treat as before with digestive ointment, tincture of 

 myrrh, etc., as may be found advisable. 



Soon after my leaving the road, one of my horses, Gifford, was 

 threatened with fistula of the withers. When able to examine 

 the case, I found there was severe inflammation and swelling of 

 the parts, which was so painful that the horse would not allow it 

 to be touched. The veterinary surgeon in charge had applied a 

 sharp stimulant, the effect of which was intensified by covering 

 the parts with a couple of thick blankets. The horse was very 

 fat, and there were indications of matter forming, which, as the 

 horse was extremely sensitive, would cause great trouble in dress- 

 ing the parts, which would be necessary for some time. I ex- 

 pressed my fear of this result, but the doctor thought differently, 

 assuring me that he had every reason to believe the inflammation 

 would disperse in time. I left, giving him full liberty to manage 

 the case in his own way, and was gratified on being informed 

 shortly afterward that the inflammation was dispersed, and in 

 this way a cure was affected. The serious condition of the case, 

 and the success with which the cure was affected by dispersing 

 the inflammation, induced me, for the benefit of my readers, to 

 write to the doctor for the details of tlie treatment used, which I 

 here include. 



'' The treatment pursued in the management of Gifford was as 

 follows: Take two pounds salts, four ounces cream of tartar, mix 

 well, divide into nine doses, and give one dose once a day in his 

 feed. For the local treatment, I took of the tincture of iodine and 

 cantharides, equal parts, and applied to the shoidders every day 

 for ten or twelve days ; after which, I used a stronger solution tAVo 

 •or three times a day for three or four weeks. The case was a very 

 bad one." 



Poll Evil. 



Poll evil is caused by being clubbed back of the ear, striking 

 back of the head against an obstruction, pulling hard upon the 

 halter, or checking the head high, so as to bring undue pressure 

 upon the ligaments of the parts, which will be shown by the in- 

 flammation and swelling over the first vertebra of the neck. If 

 this inflammation is allowed to continue, the posterior part of the 



