POLL-EVIL. 
49 
neck which passes over the atlas-hone. This ligament is 
not attached to the bone, and the disease is consequently 
seated between it and the bone itself. It is being thus 
deeply seated which frequently renders it so difficult to cure. 
Before the swelling becomes very conspicuous, the part is 
very hot, and painful when touched, which can easily be 
noticed from the motion of the horse. 
Cause. —The poll-evil is too frequently occasioned by a 
severe blow on the poll of the neck, given by ill-tempered 
and unmerciful riders or grooms ; at other times it is brought 
on by the horse striking his head against the manger, or by 
the ligaments being too much stretched by severely tight 
reining. But, from whatever cause the malady proceeds, it 
frequently becomes exceedingly troublesome and tedious to 
cure. 
Remedies. —Before suppuration takes place, every means 
should be adopted to suppress the inflammation, and, if 
possible, to disperse the swelling. Medicines of a laxative 
kind should be administered, and bleeding resorted to, and 
also cold lotions applied. This treatment will often have the 
effect of reducing the tumour. But if it is found that the 
swelling continues in spite of these, other means must be 
resorted to, and applications to facilitate the ripening of the 
tumour must be adopted. This will be best effected by 
poultices, warm fomentations, and stimulating embrocations. 
Care must, however, be taken not to allow suppuration to 
ensue of its own accord. The progress of the disease must 
be narrowly watched, and when sufficiently advanced, 
which will be known by the softness of the tumour, it 
must be opened with a lancet, and afterwards kept open by 
means of a seton. The needle, with the cord attached to it, 
must penetrate the apex of the ulcer, and be forced out a 
little way below the bottom of the abscess, so that no matter 
