WOUNDS AND WOUND INFECTIONS 245 



in remedying this trouble is the adjustment of the collar to the 

 neck by fitting it snugly. If this is not successful in preventing 

 further galling, the draft should be raised from the point of the 

 shoulder. Treatment for galls does not differ from that outlined 

 for other wounds. Washing the shoulders night and morning 

 with a solution of common salt and water in the proportion of a 

 dessertspoonful to 1 quart is useful to keep the skin clean and 

 toughen it. The application of zinc oxid ointment is recom- 

 mended when the animal must be kept at work. Some- 

 times a hole cut in the sweat pad, at the place where it comes in 

 contact with the wound, will give relief and hasten healing. Ob- 

 stinate cases are often due to deep-seated abscesses and require 

 an operation for a permanent cure. 



Sore neck is caused by excessive collar pressure and rubbing. 

 First see that the draft is not too high up, for this has a tendency 

 to pull the collar downward and bring too much pressure on the 

 top of the neck. Try slackening the hame strap at the top and 

 tightening the one at the bottom. Treat as advised for galled 

 shoulders or apply white lotion each night. Sometimes a de- 

 pression or "pocket" appears in the center of the raw surface on 

 top of the neck; as a result, an accumulation of the wound secre- 

 tions occurs. Later necrosis may set in. If it does, a "sit 

 fast" develops which can only be satisfactorily treated by having 

 the dead tissue removed by the surgeon's knife. 



Cracked heels, scratches, or mud fever are terms applied to 

 inflammatory changes in the skin which result in transverse 

 cracks in the hollow of the heel. The condition may be acute 

 or chronic. It is oftenest seen in the winter and spring, when the 

 feet are apt to be wet much of the time. Other causes are wash- 

 ing the lower limbs but failing to dry them thoroughly; over- 

 feeding with concentrates; lack of exercise; leaving mud on the 

 legs, especially if it contains irritant substances like salt, lime, or 

 alkali. It is said that clipping the heels predisposes to scratches. 

 The symptoms are local heat, swelling and tenderness in the skin, 

 roughness to the overlying hair, stiffness, and lameness. Unless 

 treatment is prompt, the cracks widen, become infected, and pus 

 forms. The edges of the wounds present a gum-like secretion, 

 which soon dries and leaves a dirty appearing surface. In apply- 

 ing treatment the aim should be to remove the irritating cause 

 and hasten wound-hea,ling by keeping out infection. The part 

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