THE HORSE, SKIN DISEASES, ETC. 293 



according to his general condition. Let him have water freely ; and give 

 opportunity each day for some exercise by allowing him the rmi of a 

 small inclosure. 



When the case has become chronic, and holes in considerable number 

 have appeared, make a cut so as to reach the bones, and to include in iti 

 course as many holes as practicable. If there are other openings, (par- 

 ticularly below), cut from them into the main incision. Have an assistant 

 to press back the sides of the greater opening till the matter is cleared 

 out ; and if the spinous processes or points are found to be carious or 

 rotten, nip off with a pair of bone forceps till the healthy bone is 

 reached. If any ©f this decaying bone is left, the wound will inevitably 

 matter and break again, though it may for a time appear to have healed. 



After thus cleaning out the bulk of the matter and picking away the 

 dead bone, use the syringe and warm soap-suds still further to clean the 

 parts ; then inject the carbolic solution as previously directed. But 

 instead of coal oil, use this ointment ouce a day ; 



No. 29. yi Oz. verdigris, 



^ Oz. copperas, 

 1 Oz. oil of turpentine, 

 4 Oz. yellow rosin. 



The copperas and rosin must be finely powdered — ^then mix all together 

 thoroughly. When a kind of thick whitish discharge is observed to hava 

 set in, discontinue the ointment ; but still wash or sjTinge thoroughly, at 

 intervals, mth warm soap-suds. To keep away flies, cover the wound, 

 after each dressing, with a large cloth saturated with diluted tar. 



Should the horse grow feverish from the effects of blood poisoning, 

 which takes place in a greater or less degree in this chronic stage by 

 reason of absorption, bleed him once, at least, taking from the neck vein 

 from three to six quarts, according to general condition and severity of 

 the inflammation. 



When the disease has proceeded to the length of requiring this severe 

 treatment, the recovery is necessarily slow, and the horse is inevitably 

 disfigured. 



In verv desperate cases it is sometimes best, or, indeed, almost indis- 

 pensable, to use the rowel. The pipes, (or sinuses as they are sometimoi 

 called), the openings whence the matter exudes, take a dangerous direc- 

 tion, and tend from the withers to the chest. Use an elastic probe, to 

 ascertain the direction and the depth ; and if it is found that cutting will 

 not answer, use the guarded seton or rowel needle described in the chap- 

 ter on medicines, ointments, etc. Insert it as far as it will go, then give 

 it a firm rap on the handle, so as to force out the cutting edge and driv« 

 the point through the flesh. Knot one end of a long, slender tape. 



