5T6 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



the same as for treating other deep-seated ulcers explained ; the- 

 only difference is that they are more complicated on account of 

 their location, and require, if anything, more careful treatment. 



Fistula of the withers is caused by 



an injury to, or bruising the top of, 



the first vertebra of the neck, or the 



\ \\\w ligament covering it. At first there 



V «J^^v is simply inflammation, with some 



J&y&^' f (<\\\* mm -~-' • swelling, making the part very ten,- 



^^m///! /I jffw ^ er ant * sore ' ^ **" s 1S not arrested 

 j/ J\ »jfj : or dispersed, matter will form and 

 f Hi' penetrate in different directions 

 around and between the dorsal ver- 

 ify' tebrae, and under the shoulder blade, 

 '•*' i|/' . ,, , before it comes to the surface. Con- 

 wMB& Sb) sequently the fistula may extend to 

 'i/i'm^ " both sides, and if neglected, may 

 fl vUPs seriously involve the bones, in which 

 ' ' 1 case the cure will be proportionately 



more difficult. 



Fig. 887. — Shoulder in Healthy Con- j.. .. , , .. 



..... At its early stage, when there is 



1 , simply inflammation and soreness, 



cooling applications, such as pouring cold water upon it, qr' di- 

 recting a small stream from a hose against it, and repeating, is 

 good. The part can be kept wet by the following lotion, and then 

 if the inflammation does not abate, give a dose of physic and apply 

 an iodine or sweating blister : — j 



Saltpeter 4 oz. ^^^^ t 



Sugar of lead. . ,. .1 oz. lv -— "■■ 



Muriate of ammonia 1 oz. 



Common salt. . . .1 pt. 



Cold water 2 gal. 



Lay on a few thicknesses of 

 cloth, and keep wet with it. 



Or the following may be 

 used : — 



Tincture of arnica 8 oz. 



'Water . .' : 1 qt. 



If r however, matter forms, the Fio. 888— Showing a Bad Case of Fistula, 

 sooner the abscess is opened the 



better. When this is done, the extent of the injury, or of the sinus, 

 if any has formed, must be carefully ascertained with a probe, or 

 by introducing the finger. If this cannot be done to advantage, 



