CAUSES OF SADDLE-GALLS. 
237 
where there is much chalk dust. They affect the back, especially behind 
the saddle-bed, but the extent of surface involved, the trifling amount of 
swelling, and the thick scurf formed sufficiently differentiate them. 
In a case described by Moller, pus formation had extended along the 
fascia of the back as far as the pelvis, producing necrosis, and also 
invaded the under surface of the longissimus dorsi, separating the latter 
to a great extent from the bodies of the ribs. Several ribs afterwards 
became necrotic. Pus also burrowed under the serratus anticus majoi 
muscle. 
The prognosis depends on various factors. It is modified by 
(1) The position of the swelling. The cutaneous is more hopeful than 
the subcutaneous, especially if situated in the withers. 
(2) The duration of the swelling. The longer swelling has existed, 
and the harder and more resistant it appears, the further has plastic 
infiltration proceeded, and the more tardy will be resolution. Fistulse 
of the withers of long standing are usually difficult of cure. 
(3) Cellulitis or lymphangitis adds to the gravity of the case, ihe 
condition is of little gravity provided it remain aseptic ; the occurrence 
of suppuration renders it serious, and doubly so if the withers lie t le 
part involved. , » 
(4) In prognosing fistulous withers, particular note must be taken ol 
the degree of swelling and pain, and the amount of pus. Swelling 
indicates burrowing of pus, if the discharge takes place only on pressure 
from without, or during movements of the animal. Intense pam points 
to injury of the superior spinous piocesses. 
Causes. Certain horses suffer more than others, depending on greater 
vulnerability of the skin, or on the presence of cicatrices or scabs, or on 
peculiarities in form interfering with the fitting of the saddle. Amongst 
these may be included abnormally high, low, or short withers, flatness of 
the ribs, keel-shaped breast and short sternum, and distension of the 
abdomen, causing the girth to slip easily forwards or backwards. Old 
horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle-bed atrophied, and aie 
therefore more liable to contract saddle-galls. Vicious, irritable, and 
restless horses which cannot be carefully saddled often suffer, as also do 
those which have irregular action. Lame horses frequently have sac c e- 
galls, especially on the withers, on account of the unequal incidence of 
the body-weight shifting the saddle towards the side of the sound foot. 
Saddle-galls are often caused by horses sweating profusely, or by tie 
skin being soaked in rainy weather. The mechanical causes may e 
divided into three groups 
(1) Faulty construction of the saddle. The best preventer of saddle- 
galls is a skilful and careful saddler. Though it appears easy in principle 
to distribute the pressure equally over the largest possible surface, m 
