774 
W. J. MARTIN. 
the treatment of fistula in the human species, that all fistulous 
tracts and sinuses should be laid open by a probe-pointed bis¬ 
toury and the cavities packed with dry or oiled lint. I have 
also found this to be an excellent method of treating this class 
of diseases in the equine species. For several years past my 
treatment of fistula has been wholly surgical. I do not believe 
in the use of caustics for this disease, for by their use much de¬ 
struction of healthy tissue is caused. Again, caustics often 
cause a permanent thickening of the entire dorsal tissue on each 
side of the bones, rendering the animal oftentimes worthless for 
hard labor. I rarely think of using antipblogistics to allay in¬ 
flammation in the parts. This is, I must confess, in the major¬ 
ity of cases, valuable time lost. Usually by the time the animal 
comes under the hands of the surgeon all primary inflammation 
has subsided. I much prefer at this time a smart blister, well 
laid on, composed of the ointments of red iodide of mer<pury and 
cantliarides in combination, two parts of the former to one of the 
latter. This serves to hasten suppuration, thins the skin over 
the tumor and leaves the parts in an excellent condition for the 
operation. In regard to the constitutional treatment : when the 
animal is much emaciated a generous allowance of food must be 
given. This may be further supplemented by iodide of potas¬ 
sium, hyposulphite of sodium, sulpho-carbolate of zinc, or the 
liquor acidi arseniosi, as the case may require. I place, however, 
more implicit confidence in a generous supply of food, and that 
of the most nutritious kind, than in any medicinal agent given 
internally. 
Operation .—It is seldom necessary to cast an animal for 
this operation. A good twitch firmly applied to the upper lips 
serves fairly well to keep the a'nimal quiet. A much better opera¬ 
tion can be performed with the animal standing than in the 
recumbent posture. If setons have to be inserted deeply, it is 
often impossible and positively dangerous, to attempt this while 
the horse is cast, for by its struggles it not only endangers itself, 
from the long, sharp seton-needle, but the hands of the operator 
as well. It is only in cases of long standing and where the ani- 
