The management and treatment of the horse in the stable, field, and ...

In the Stable, Field, and on the Road. 195
subject, the symptoms fully bear out, therefore those
who have had a whitlow on their linger will have some
sympathy for the horse when suffering from poll-evil.
This disease is the result of a blow en the head between
the ears, often caused by leading the horse out of
low stable doors, when the horse will at times throw up.
its heal and strike it upon the door-frame with great
force. If this is not attended to at the time, the blood
becomes congealed, suppuration sets in, the matter finds
its way between the bone and muscles, and a deep
sloughing wound is the result before it is fully recognised
by the owner. Sometimes this is the result of a blow
given by an unmerciful rider, at other times it is brought
on by the horse striking its head upon the under-part of
the manger ; it is also often brought on by the ligaments
being stretched by that horrible piece of torture, a tight
bearing-rein ; but from whatever cause the malady pro-
ceeds, it is frequently exceedingly troublesome and
tedious to cure. If noticed before suppuration takes
place, every means should be adopted to suppress the
inflammation, and if possible to disperse the swelling.
Medicine of a laxative kind should be given, and hot
fomentations should be constantly applied, afterwards a
piece of sponge or linen cloth should be placed upon the
part affected, and kept constantly wet with arnica lotion,
one part arnica (British proof) to forty of pure spring
water. If the swelling remains hard for two or three
days in spite of the above treatment, then use strong
tincture of iodine ;
this should be painted upon the part
with a soft brush, and will frequently take away the
swelling by absorption. If it is found that the swelling