THE HORSE, SKIN DISEASES, ETC. 2S9 



then gradually press upon the part. 

 If the hurt is near the surface, he will 

 flinch quickly ; if deeply seated, he 

 will be correspondingly slow in show- 

 ing evidences of pain. If suppura- 

 tion has already set in, it can readily 

 he knoAvn when near the surface by a 

 «ort of fluctuating feeling ; but this 



fluctuation can scarcely be felt at all poll-kvil in its skcond stagk. 



if the matter is deep seated. 



What to do. — If discovered when there is nothing more than a swelKng, 

 no matter having yet been found, remove all tendency to general fever- 

 ishness by giving purgative medicine according to evident fullness of 

 <?ondition ; allow the horse to rest ; and put him on moderately light 

 diet. Then make the following cooling lotion, and keep the swelling 

 constantly moistened with it by having a small rag pad laid over it and 

 saturated with the mixture from time to time : 



No. 28. 2 Oz. tincture of arnica, 



1 Dr. iodide of potassium, 

 1 Qt. vinegar, 

 1 Qt. camomile infusion. 



If this does not reduce the inflammation and remove the swelling 

 within a few days, it may be inferred that matter is already forming, 

 though it may have been impossible at first to detect it-; and you must 

 bring it to a head as soon as practicable by poulticing. Use for this pur- 

 pose a mixture of ground flax seed, corn meal, oil of turpentine, and 

 hog's lard. As soon as matter can be felt, have ready a laige and very 

 sharp knife ; cast the animal, and have some one to sit upon his neck to 

 prevent struggling ; then open with a quick, steady, and strong sweep of 

 the blade through the tumor — being careful to have the wound open at 

 the lower point of the tumor, so as to provide for more easily draining it 

 of matter that may hereafter form. Be careful, too, not to cut the 

 tendinous ligament that runs along the neck under the mane. If the 

 matter appears to be on both sides, open the places separately, so as to 

 leave this liofament undi^dded. It may, if absolutely necessary, be 

 severed between the second bone and the head, and the support of the 

 head be not materially weakened, since the main stress is on the second 

 bone, and the divided ligament, if healthy, will soon heal again ; but it 

 is best to avoid all risks ; and if at all convenient, the aid of an exper- 

 ienced veterinary surgeon should be had when it becomes necessary to 

 use the knife. 



