340 OPERATION FOR QUITTOR. [BOOK II. 



mits of a probe being introduced, by which the 

 extent of the evil may be ascertained, and this is 

 generally very extensive and ruinous, according to 

 the time it may have been allowed to make head. 

 The probe will pass readily forward and backward 

 to the whole course of the disease, and sometimes 

 it will be found to have penetrated to the coffin- 

 bone, every where forming sinuses or pipes, as in 

 fistula in the withers. But in this case situation 

 makes considerable difference : unlike the former, 

 poultices are rendered inapplicable, whilst the em- 

 ployment of the knife or lancet is dangerous in the 

 extreme. Besides which, the diseased part is 

 already open, and seems to invite the only species 

 of remedy yet known, in the shape of escharotics, 

 that by irritating the case or cyst, which forms the 

 sinuses, shall cause it to slough off. In slight 

 cases, those which are found not to have penetrated 

 deep, the simple application of a wash will prove 

 sufficient ; and may be employed in this manner. 

 Dissolve blue vitriol in water, and charge a syringe 

 therewith ; this is to be discharged into the orifice, 

 and suffered to remain, as much as can be retained. 

 A poultice of bread and oatmeal is to cover the 

 part, and the cure will be complete after two or three 

 days. But, unfortunately for the owner and the 

 animal, the disease is seldom taken in hand thus 

 early, but is suffered to proceed until much stronger 

 means become necessary. For this purpose, take 

 a long narrow slip of thin paper, and moisten it 

 with muriate of antimony; over this strew powdered 



