DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. 292 



evil j curring in former years was unnecessary, and occurred in 

 consequence of neglect, injuries, and abuse. The disease first 

 makes its appearance in the form of a local tumor, of an inflam- 

 matory character. Soon it runs into the suppurative stage; pus 

 or matter is secreted, and we then have a common abscess, which 

 may result in fistula of the poll. 



Causes — The disease may arise from blows and bruises. Horses 

 when located in low-roofed stables are apt to strike the poll against 

 the ceiling, or a beam, or the upper part of the doorway, and fre- 

 quent repetition of the act either ends in induration (hardening) 

 ->r poll-abscess. Some grooms are in the habit of occasionally- 

 jerking the animal's head by means of the halter, and some horses 

 are very restless in the stall, and are often seen to jerk their heads 

 upward, forgetting that they have any halter around their necks, 

 until they feel the pain which they themselves inflicted. The in- 

 jury, slight as it may be, often remains undiscovered or unattended 

 to until considerable tumefaction or even suppuration has set in. 

 The case may then become protracted, and exhaust the patience 

 of all concerned. Excessive friction on the nape of the neck from 

 bridle or halter, or pressure from either one of these causes, pro- 

 duces poll-evil ; and the halter, by being fastened too tightly, is a 

 fertile cause in producing this affection. Dirt and filth are oper- 

 ative, also, in producing this malady. It is well known that the 

 poll is a part which very seldom makes the acquaintance of the 

 brush or curry-comb, yet it is the locality of considerable dust and 

 scurf; and sometimes, owing to accumulations of the same, a cu- 

 taneous eruption arises, and the itching sensation consequent causes 

 the horse to fret and rub whenever he can get a chance. The evil 

 goes on, until what was at first superficial now becomes deep- 

 seated. The bungling and cruel manner of sometimes forcing a 

 small collar on a large horse often does mischief, and lays the 

 foundation for poll-evil. Some persons are in the habit of bracing 

 the horse's head downward with the martingale, so as to bring the 

 lips and chest in close proximity, yet forget that the strain comes 

 on the poll and bruises the soft parts. 



Treatment. — Should the tumor be discovered in its early stage, 

 Lefore matter has formed, the parts should be bathed often with a 

 portion of vinegar and water, equal parts ; or else a cold-water 

 dressing or pad may be applied, which should be reapplied as fast 

 us it becomes dry. Half an ounce of powdered chlorate of potasa 



