FISTULOUS WOUNDS 



433 



is neglected and the cause not removed, the skin will very soon be broken, 

 and then matter (pus) is formed and oozes from it. When only the skin 

 and the tissue immediately under it are affected, little trouble need be 

 anticipated, but if the cause is not removed the deeper structures (muscle 

 and fascia) and even the bones (vertebral spines) may become diseased. 

 Horses that have very high withers, and those poor in flesh, are most 

 liable to be chafed by ill-fitting harness. Animals also of the heavier 



Fig. 425. Fistulous Withers 



class are more often affected, probably because the harness of such animals 

 is not so carefully fitted, nor kept in such good condition, the loads are 

 heavier, and the work much rougher than with those of the lighter breeds. 



Frequently the bruise is so severe that matter forms (abscess), which 

 after a time burrows amongst the muscles, and finally breaks qut through 

 the skin on one side of the wither. The matter is assisted in finding its 

 way between the muscles by the movement of the parts during progression. 

 In this way pipes (sinuses) are formed in various directions leading to the 

 open wound at the surface. 



The treatment consists in the first place of removing the irritant, 

 whatever it may be, and keeping the animal as quiet as possible, to prevent 



62 



VOL. II. 



