46 THE DISEASES OF HOUSES, 



The medicines that have been found of most use in farcy and those 

 diseases that simulate glanders, and that would without attention in all 

 probability degenerate into glanders, are the diniodide of copper, com- 

 bined with cantharides and tonics. The following formula may be adopted : 



Powders for Glanders. — Diniodide of copper, 6 dr. ; powdered cantha- 

 rides, \ dr. ; powdered gentian root, 4oz. ; cayenne pepper, 2 scruples ; 

 very carefully mixed and divided into four equal doses, one to be given 

 night and morning ; and the treatment to be continued for some weeks. 



The diniodide, like all the preparations of copper, acts as a tonic on 

 the horse, but it also has a powerful influence en the absorbent vessels. 

 It is a powerful remedy, and therefore must be used with, considerable 

 circumspection, and if it causes much soreness of the diseased part, and 

 there is a failing appetite and general derangement, it should be with- 

 held for a time and again resorted to. As before stated, however, in all 

 cases, suspected or confirmed, the professional veterinary should be 

 applied to at once where possible, on account of the insidious and dan- 

 gerous character of the disease. 



Fever in the Feet.— See Foot Founder. 



Fistula.— A fistula is a deep narrow ulcer, callous or hardened, and 

 generally arising from an abscess. Although the term might bo as pro- 

 perly applied to poll evil, custom has, when the horse is the subject, 

 generally confined it to that disease known as fistulous withers. 



There is, however, fistula of the parotid duct, which is a sinuous 

 opening into the duct which discharges the saliva, and which enlarges, 

 and, becoming callous, allows the saliva to escape in large quantities. 

 This is sometimes the result of abscess arising from strangles. 



This is treated by setting up a degree of inflammation of the part, 

 and closing the orifice with pledgets of cotton wool saturated with 

 collodion, but the cure is best left to a practical hand. 



Fistulous Withers. — The stato of disease known as fistulous 

 withers is now comparatively rare, and should never occur at all, as 

 it is a preventable form of suffering. The reason why it has to so great 

 an extent disappeared, is the great improvement in the manufacture and 

 form of saddles, as it is solely caused by the bearing of the pommel or 

 pinching from the sides of the saddle. 



Although the term fistula can only be accurately applied to a parti, 

 cular form of wound, the disease which custom has designated fistulous 

 withers is only truly so in its last stage. Where the saddle has bruised, 

 inflammation is set up, and a tumour forms, which is very hot and tender 

 to the touch ; if noticed in time it may be dispersed by applying cooling 

 lotions (pp. 9 & 07), sometimes aided by stimulating liniments (p. 2i). If this 

 treatment fails, and the tumour appears to go on to suppuration in spite of 

 all efforts to disperse it, we must accept the inevitable, and giving up 

 our previous efforts, endeavour, by fomentations and poultices to produce 

 an early discharge of the collected pus, that it may not, as is its ten- 

 dency, on account of the position of the tumour, drain downwards among 



