30 VETERIXARV HOMCEOPATHY. 



of which is suggestive of mischief; proceed next to the glands 

 between the jaws and also the parotid gland, wdiich lies just be- 

 hind either jaw from the bottom of the ears downwards, i-f the 

 glands are clearly perceptible to the touch, being either hard and 

 knotty, or soft, swollen and tender, it is clear that these symptoms 

 will have to be taken into account. That portion of the poll, 

 just between and slightly posterior to the ears, should be exam- 

 ined, for when the injury known as '' poll evil " has advanced to 

 the stage of suppuration ( formation of matter ), it affects the ner- 

 vous system of the horse to such a degree that he appears very 

 dull, heavy and generally ill, and no doubt feels so, and very 

 much more than mere surgical interference is called for here; the 

 same remarks apply with equal force to a case of fistulous withers, 

 which are brought on generally by badly fitting saddles, and occa- 

 sionally collars; it is very important in such cases as these or in 

 those affecting any other part of the body where injury has been 

 sustained and serious inflammation set up, followed by suppura- 

 ion (formation of matter), to regularly take the animal's temper- 

 ature, as the formation of matter generally affects the whole sys- 

 tem, makes the animal feel ill and unless properly treated with a 

 remedy which is capable of arresting the formation of matter 

 (pus), serious consequences may and do frequently follow if such 

 means are not adopted; and the body temperature is a guide to 

 tell one whether the tendency to form pus is arrested or not; if 

 not, the temperature will either continue to rise, or if previously 

 high, will be maintained; on the other hand if it graduall}^ falls, 

 one is justified in the conclusion that the tendency to form pus is 

 arrested, and that the existing abscess will speedily ripen and dis- 

 charge itself and thereafter the cavity heal up; it may be well to 

 remark in passing here, lest the idea should be conveyed that the 

 internal administration of the suitable drug should be solely 

 relied upon, that antiseptic local treatment may also be advan- 

 tageously adopted; indeed it is absolutely necessary where, as in 

 fistulous withers, the opposing walls of the sinus (or cavity), 

 come constantly in contact, because the living organisms which 

 certainly encourage the further development of pus require to be 

 destroyed, hence the internal and the local treatment should go 

 hand in hand. One is not less important and necessary than the 

 other, if a rapid and complete cure is to be effected; it should, 



