212 SURGICAL DISEASES 



cold abscess in the shoulder region may become lined by a layer 

 of tissues that retards healing. In order to hasten the healing 

 process, it may be necessary to remove this. Until granulation 

 is well advanced, the abscess cavity should be irrigated daily 

 with a one per cent water solution of liquor cresolis compositus, 



or a one to two thousand 

 water solution of corrosive 

 sublimate. The surface of 

 the skin in the region of the 

 abscess should l>e kept clean. 

 Fistulous Withers and 

 Poll Evil. — These terms are 

 applied to swellings, blood 

 tmnors, abscesses and pus 

 fistula? that may be present 

 in the region of the poll and 

 withers (Figs. GO and 60a). 

 Pus fistula is the character- 

 istic lesion present, and it is 

 the result of a suppurative 

 inflammation of the tissues 

 in the region. The abscess 

 cavity or cavities are usually 

 deep, and may involve the 

 ligaments and vertebrae. 

 Fig. 60.— Fistula -f ' . t Bruiscs or coutusious are 



of using r:. -.---_, 



tlie most common causes. 

 The prominence of these regions predisposes them to injur)- in the 

 stable, or when rolling on rough or stony gi'ound. Bites and 

 bruises to the withers resulting from other horses taking hold 

 of the region with the teeth, or striking the part against a hard 

 surface, are frequent causes. 



The treatment is both preventive and surgical. All possible 

 causes should be investigated. This is of special importance on 



S^JtW: 7JBS1A Ve iC- .- 



