148 
TREATMENT OF TORTICOLLIS. 
often disappear quickly, whilst apparently slight cases may take an 
unfavourable course. 
Conditions caused by muscular disease seldom leave any lasting ill 
results, though extensive ruptures may later be recognised by depressions. 
Schrader found, on the neck of a three year old colt, a furrow in which the 
fist could be laid. After luxations or fractures, cicatricial thickenings are 
often observed. Harvermann noted these in horses, on the concave side 
of the diseased neck. An army horse with subluxation of the 3rd and 
4th cervical vertebrae again became useful after some months. It is 
important to note whether the animals can stand and take food ; if not 
they may die of decubitus, 1 or lose condition and value. As a rule, in 
such cases slaughter is to be recommended, especially where no 
considerable improvement has resulted within several days after the 
attack. Still more unfavourable is the prognosis where purulent disease 
Fjg. 73. Knudsen’s iron splint for distortion of the neck. 
invades joints like that between the occiput and the first cervical 
vertebra. 
Treatment of rheumatic torticollis comprises warm coverings, friction 
with volatile stimulants, and administration of salicylic acid, potassium 
iodide, antipyrine, and similar drugs. It is especially desirable to keep 
the animal standing where distortion depends on sprains of the muscular 
tissues or disease of the spinal column. The neck may usually be kept 
straight by a girth, cradle, or narrow piece of wood, fastened with the 
roller and a strong halter to the concave side of the neck; sometimes by 
simply fastening up the head. 
Where luxation is present, replacement must be attempted. In heavy 
horses counter-extension may be effected by the weight of the body. 
Where this is impracticable, the animal may be fixed with the help of a 
hoise collar, while, with a strong, well-fitting halter, extension may be 
1 Decubitus--This is a convenient medical term, signifying the continued assumption of the 
recumbent position which often accompanies debilitating or painful diseases like laminitis.— 
L-JNO. A. W .D.] 
