CHAPTER 11. 

 Diseases of the Neck and Contiguous Parts. 



POLL-EVIL. 



Symptoms. — This disease consists of an inflam- 

 mation of the muscle over the poll-bone and the first 

 vertebra of the neck. It generally extends under the 

 ligament of the neck which passes over the atlas-bone. 

 This ligament is not attached to the bone, and the 

 disease is consequently seated between it and the bone 

 itself It is being thus deeply seated which frequently 

 renders it so difficult to cure. Before the swelling be- 

 comes very conspicuous, the part is very hot, and 

 painful when touched, which can easily be noticed 

 from the motion of the horse. 



Cause. — The poll-evil is too frequently occasioned 

 by a severe blow on the poll of the neck, given by ill- 

 tempered and unmerciful riders or grooms ; at other 

 times it is brought on by the horse striking his head 

 against the manger, or by the ligaments being too mucli 

 stretched by severely tight reining. But, from what- 

 ever cause the malady proceeds, it frequently becomes 

 exceedingly troublesome and tedious to cure. 



Remedies. — Before suppuration takes place, every 

 means should be adopted to suppress the inflammation, 

 and, if possible, to disperse the swelling. Medicines of 

 a laxative kind should be administered, tmd bleeding- 

 resorted to, and also cold lotions applied. This treat- 

 ment will often have the effect of reducing the tumour. 



