DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 279 



matter by injecting water into it, use the antimony 

 as above directed. 



POLL-EVIL. 



This form of fistula is situated on the "poll" be- 

 hind the ears, and is caused by injuries and using 

 a tight bearing rein. 



Symptoms: A swelling appears behind the ears, 

 it may be on one side or both. When it appears 

 quickly it is hot and painful to the touch; at other 

 times it comes on gradually and is not hot or ten- 

 der. It increases very slowly and it may be years 

 before it turns into a fistula. I have seen a num- 

 ber of cases of this kind, and all enlargements be- 

 hind the ears should be looked upon with suspicion. 

 In some cases matter will form in a few days. 



Treatment: In all cases of swelling in this local- 

 ity the treatment should be energetic and well 

 done; a fistula when established is very difficult to 

 cure, as there are so many tendons in this part that 

 it is not easy to get under them, and the tissue is 

 of the low order, having a great tendency to de- 

 velop quantities of unhealthy flesh. In the early 

 stage before matter has formed, and it is hot and 

 tender, bathe it for half an hour with cold water 

 three times a day and apply the lead lotion as for 

 the fistula of the withers. After all the heat has 

 disappeared and the swelling remains, apply the 

 cantharides blister; and for those lumps which 

 are developing slowly and which have no heat or 

 tenderness in them, also blister every second week 

 and continue it if necessary for several months, 



