TREATMENT OF SADDLE-GALLS. 
239 
fresh cases. The old practice of binding a flat stone on the swelling 
leads to necrosis of the skin ; the application of a turf soils the back, and 
thus predisposes to new bruises. Massage, in the form of gentle stroking 
with the fingers, greatly hastens reabsorption. Most cutaneous swellings 
of recent appearance can be removed in twelve to twenty-foui hours by 
cold, associated with massage. When of longer standing, moist waimth 
in the form of Preisnitz’s poultices deserves preference, and can be 
assisted by massage. Where necrosis does not result, this method of 
treatment always succeeds. Tincture of arnica, often used, has no effect, 
even its antiseptic properties are nullified on account of the excessive 
dilution to which it is generally subjected. 
Where necrosis has appeared, separation of the dead portions is 
facilitated by Preisnitz’s poultices, or warm cataplasms of linseed meal, 
to which an antiseptic is added. Portions of necrotic skin, as they 
become loose, should be removed with dressing foiceps. Some power 
may have to be exerted. Should this not succeed, the heat and moistuie 
must be persevered with. Extraction of the mummified piece of skin 
does not greatly assist healing, because the line of dissection seldom 
coincides exactly with the division between living and dead tissue. 
After separation of the piece of skin, the wound is gradually filled up by 
granulations. The general principles of asepsis must be strictly enforced. 
As soon as a dry scab has formed, interference should be avoided. 
Where the wound has filled up, cicatrisation advancing, and the neigh¬ 
bouring swelling disappeared, the saddle may again be used, with such 
precautions as a smooth piece of waxed linen sewed into the flaps, where 
they overlie the damaged spot. Where a felt numnah is used, a piece 
corresponding in size and position to the injury may be cut out, wheie 
a padded saddle is in use, a portion of the padding can be withdrawn. 
This protects the tender surface while it is denuded of hair and only 
covered with a thin epidermis. 
Injuries to the withers, particularly those complicated with effusion 
and extravasation into the subcutis, require quite different treatment. 
In fresh cases cold is useful, but without pressure and without massage. 
Any considerable pressure usually causes pain, while massage favours 
further bleeding into the subcutis. After twenty-four hours,. moist 
warmth is to be preferred. To prevent infection and pus formation, an 
antiseptic can be added to the poultices, which may be prepared with 1 
per 1,000 sublimate solution. Where the tenderness is less, and large 
hsematomata exist, massage may later be used. Artificial removal of the 
contents may here be recommended, using a Pravaz s syiinge, though 
antiseptic precautions must in such case be observed very carefully. 
Both the skin and instrument must first be strictly disinfected ; and, 
after removal of the extravasation, which is frequently lymph, moderate 
