204 POLL EVIL. 



of the chloride of zinc ought to be injected thrice a 

 day. If the discharge grows offensive, the solution 

 composed of a drachm of chloride of zinc to a quart of 

 water should be employed ; and tonics with the food 

 should be given to stimulate the system. 



After contusion producing effusion into the cellular 

 membrane, an abscess is sometimes formed. The 

 horse is particularly subject to two of these, namely, 

 to poll evil, and to fistulous withers. 



POLL EVIL. 



The horse occasionally receives a violent blow on 

 the back part of the head, and the cellular substance 

 of the poll becomes bruised. Inflammation follows; 

 the part becomes hot and tender ; it enlarges, and for 

 a long period the skin above remains entire. At 

 length it breaks, and an ulcer difficult to heal is 

 formed. This happens much oftener in country than 

 in town practice, either because in rural districts the 

 roof, or the beam of the doorway, is too low. Thus 

 a horse in the least degree restive bruises himself 

 against them. Or because country horses are far more 

 exposed to brutal treatment than the owners dream 

 of. The practitioner always looks at a case of poll 

 evil with a great deal of suspicion, and institutes 

 every inquiry. The owner should never spare the 

 fellow whose passion has caused such mischief. 



The Veterinary Surgeon when called in to a case of 

 poll evil should commence his treatment with the 

 knife. Although the skin be entire, he should with- 

 out delay cut down upon the most prominent part of 

 the swelling until the tumour is laid well open. By 



