THE STUDY OF THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM 75 



matism, and is not now so common as formerly. It is analogous to 

 the foregoing complaint, and due to a similar cause. Sanitation, 

 ventilation, and good dry wooden beds, raised 18 to 20 inches from 

 the ground, are necessary, as well as a good dry ground floor. 

 Change of quarters, and 15 to 20 grain doses of salicylate of soda 

 twice a day, are recommended for the treatment of this disorder. 



145. Poll Evil is of an ulcerative or fistulous character, with 

 open sores discharging a thin glairy matter ; it is a very troublesome 

 complaint, and occurs just behind the ears (Plate IX., No. 7). It 

 is caused by an injury to this part, for instance, from a blow with 

 a big stick, wielded by a brutal stableman, or through the horse, 

 when in a low-ceilinged stable, throwing up its head and striking 

 itself against the beams, or from a heavy, grandly furnished bridle. 

 At first the animal goes with its neck very stiff, and points its nose, 

 with drooping head ; it flinches when the collar or bridle is put on ; 

 and then swelling of the part is next noticed. As this is a very 

 formidable disease to deal with, it should at once be put in the hands 

 of a qualified man. At first cold water cloths ought to be con- 

 stantly applied, afterwards blistering may be necessary, and, finally, 

 an operation. As the part affected is of low vitality, great care and 

 iudicious treatment must be exercised, or the disease may extend to, 

 and cause, caries of the bones. Injecting the sinuses with a solution 

 of peroxide of hydrogen answers well both for this and also for 

 fistulous withers. 



146. Fistulous Withers is similar in character to poll evil, 

 and, as the name indicates, is a disease found at the top of the 

 shoulders {Plate IX., No. 9). It is due to some damage done 

 to the neighbouring parts, as from one horse biting another; or 

 through injuries to the bony spines by blows ; or from nips from 

 badly fitting riding or harness saddles. Here again swelling is the 

 first visible indication, and prompt attention is necessary. Cold 

 water cloths should be applied and kept constantly wet, and the 

 saddles must be examined and altered; again, on account of its 

 formidable nature, the case should not be ' tinkered ' with, but must 

 be immediately placed in the hands of a professional man. 



