30 Horses and Horsemastership, 



SITFAST is the name given to an intractable lump, 

 or Avarble, arising as above described. As a rule, a sit- 

 fast only yields to a surgical operation, the resultant 

 wound being stimulated, if necessary, into healthy granu- 

 lation, when it will heal up, leaving, of course, a slight 

 scar. 



FISTULOUS WITHERS is apt to follow the neglect 

 of any swelling of the withers caused by an ill-fitting 

 saddle. If taken in time and the same treatment as for 

 galls is applied, the trouble will quickly disappear; 

 otherwise an attempt must be made to reduce the in- 

 flammation by means of frequent fomentations. If this- 

 fails, it may be concluded that pus is forming, and an 

 extensive opening must be made with a lancet to enable 

 it to escape. This opening should always be at the 

 lowest, edge of the swelling, so that drainage may be 

 effective, and the wound should be kept open by means 

 of a wedge of tow smeared with oil of turpentine 1 part> 

 olive oil 4 parts, so long as any discharge is going on. 

 Unless the pus is got away it will form sinuses among 

 the muscles, &c., and a typical case of fistulous withers 

 then exists which is beyond amateur treatment. 



BROKEN KNEES are invariably caused by the horse 

 coming down, and are severe or slight according to the 

 depth of the actual wound. If the skin is not broken 

 vou cannot do better than bathe well with hot water. 



