THE HORSE—GENERAL DISEASES AND INJURIES. 205 
is confined in the muscles and ligaments, forms canals, and passes down to 
the muscles connecting the shoulders with the trunk. Sometimes, however, 
the abscess takes the form of a sac with scrum in it, when the case is. 
easily cured. In the worst form, the muscles connected with the neck, 
back and legs being involved, the inflammation tapidly extends, the liga- 
ments, muscles and cartilages are affected, the shoulder is lowered, and 
much damage occurs. 
Symptoms.—Swelling and tenderness on the withers or at the side of 
the upper end of the spine, soon attended with softness, If the skin be 
much bruised, a piece comes off, leaving an unhealthy sore, through which, 
ADVANCED STAGE OF FISTULOUS WITHERS. 
a discharge runs out from a sac that may be detected with a probe; or 
fistulous ducts may run in various directions. In some cases there is a hard. 
tumor on the withers which stubbornly remains, but will not suppurate. 
TREATMENT.—First alter the saddle, or keep the horse from work 
a few days. If the swelling be recent and soft, apply a lotion of arnica 
and glycerine with lint and oil-silk until the inflammation subsides. If the 
tumor bursts or is cut open, bathe it with a lotion of one part of arnica to: 
twoof water. Ifa serous sac or fistulous canal exists in the swelling, it must 
be opened for the escape of the matter. Generally it is best to make the 
opening low down on the right side, since the horse usually lies on that side 
and the matter will more completely be discharged in this way. After the 
opening has been made, dress with a lotion of calendula, one part to 
four of water, four times daily and inject some of the same into the canals, 
if such exist. If the walls of the canals thicken, become hard and indis- 
posed to heal, zinc, copper, or mercurius corrosivus, in weak solution, 
should be injected until renewed action is set up; then the calendula-lotion 
will complete the cure. If the bone is involved and decays, it should be 
removed by a surgeon. Of course only a skillful surgeon can make the 
opening in the canals if they be deep down in the fleshy tissues, 
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