FISTULOUS WITHERS 65 



lotion should be applied to the part affected, with a 

 sponge : — 



Alum, powdered , . . i ounce, 

 Sulphuric acid . . . . i drachm, 

 Water . . . . . i pint! 



Or the following may be substituted for it : — 



Corrosive sublimate ... 2 drachms, 

 Muriatic acid .... 4 drachms. 

 Water i pint; 



It will be rendered more pungent by the addition 

 of a drachm of sulphate of copper. 



If the above, after being carefully applied, does 

 not diminish the size of the tumour, or if it increases 

 and becomes more sensitive on being touched, then 

 fomentations, poultices, and stimulating embrocations 

 should be resorted to, so as to bring forward the 

 tumour to a suppuration. When the matter has 

 formed, it should be laid open with the lancet, and 

 a seton should be passed through the top and bottom 

 of the tumour to allow the discharge to pass freely off. 

 After which the same treatment must be pursued as 

 we have recommended in the poll-evil. 



Fistula in the withers is frequently the cause why 

 some horses stumble on the road. If this is suspected, 

 then the saddle should be taken off; and if the part 

 pressed on by the saddle be hot and enlarged, and the 

 horse feels sensibly the pressure, then fistula of the 

 withers may be apprehended. If taken at this time, 

 and a lotion be diligently applied with a sponge, it 

 is almost certain to prevent the disease becoming 

 matured. 



Where this disorder has been neglected, and the 

 abscess has extended to the muscle below the shoulder- 

 blade, in many instances the matter will work its way 



