JAWS Knotted.
—Tumefactions under the jaws of horses, for want of a more technical or scientific definition, gave rise to the sublime term of knotted jaws; which, however, tends to no distinction, or to any particular description; although tumors may be frequently found there of different kinds, produced by, or arising from, many different causes. Temporary tumefactions of the glands may originate in COLD, and sometimes as suddenly disappear upon a perfect recovery from the cause. Inflammatory tumors form these, as upon the attack of the STRANGLES, or from a foulness and viscidity of the blood; in either of which, relief can only be obtained by speedily promoting suppuration. Glandular tumors sometimes form these, become indurated and stationary, never producing pain or inconvenience during the life of the horse. Others, of a much more critical and dangerous description, make their appearance there also, and are the certain prognostic of FARCY GLANDERS. Some professional knowledge, and judicious discrimination, is absolutely necessary, to distinguish between one and the other in the first instance, the better to regulate (if necessary) the mode of treatment in the next. In all simple tumors arising from cold, local circumstances, or temporary inconvenience, hot fomentation daily, with a sponge or flannel dipt in a decoction of aromatic garden herbs, and afterwards kept in a state of equal temperature with a double flannel and hood, will be found to expedite obliteration, by promoting an early and plentiful discharge from the nostrils. All swellings under the jaws which are painful upon pressure, indicate a tendency to suppuration, which cannot be too soon promoted by such stimulative poultices as may be thought most applicable to the purpose.