FRACTURES AND HARNESS INJURIES 217 



uneven surfaces on the faces of the collar and saddle are the 

 common causes of galling. The character of the work is an 

 important factor. Work that requires the animal to support 

 weight on the top surface of the neck is productive of sore neck. 

 Heavy work over rough, uneven ground frequently causes 

 shoulder abscesses and strained muscles. 



The simplest and most common harness injuries are galling, 

 sore shoulders and sore neck. Harness galls first appear as flat, 

 painful swellings. On raising the collar from the skin the in- 

 flamed area appears dry and the surrounding hair is wet with 

 sweat. Later, the skin becomes hard and its outer layer, and 

 sometimes the deeper layer as well, slough, or is rubbed off by 

 friction of the harness. The surface then appears red and 

 moist. Fluctuating swellings due to small collections of blood 

 and l}Tnph sometimes form. Sometimes, small areas on the face 

 of the shoulder and that portion of the back pressed on by the 

 saddle become swollen, indurated and hard and give the shoulder 

 a rough appearance. Continuous irritation from the collar may 

 cause an inflammatory thickening of the subcutaneous tissue in 

 the shoulder region, and the skin appears loose and somewhat 

 folded. This uneven surface is productive of chronic collar galls. 



A sit-fast is characterized by a large swelling at the top of 

 the neck, followed by a deep sloughing of the tissues. A slightly 

 swollen, wrinkled condition of the skin over the top of the neck 

 is sometimes present in horses that resist the attendant, when 

 he attempts to handle the part or harness the animal. This form 

 of sore neck is evidently very painful, although little evidence 

 of inflammation is present. 



Strain of shoulder muscles and shoulder abscesses have been 

 discussed under their separate heads. 



The treatment is very largely preventive. Too little atten- 

 tion is given to' the proper fitting of the harness and saddle. A 

 well-fitted collar that properly distributes the weight on the 

 shoulder, and is neither too small or too large at the top of the 



