TREATMENT 
The assertion that all fistule of the withers 
might, to the best advantage, be submitted to 
a uniform (standard) method of treatment is 
a paradox. It is a paradox because such a 
statement at first thought apparently false is 
after all entirely true, as the treatment needs 
to vary only in regard to its details. The same 
general principles of management and treat- 
ment may be laid down for all of them, no 
matter from what source they originate, the 
course they may have taken, or the stage in 
which they are found when submitted for the 
surgeon’s deliberation. 
That certain fistule of the withers do some- 
times yield to lateral lancings and irrigations 
is not denied, but that the great majority surely 
but slowly develop into grave, enfeebling, in- 
curable and often fatal afflictions in spite of 
such treatment is equally true. 
It is, therefore, evident that prompt treat- 
ment of the radical sort is indicated at an early 
stage and before the infections of extraneous 
origin have done a widespread damage to the 
ligaments, bones and muscles, and before pus 
has burrowed into the inaccessible recesses of 
this complex region. 
