The worst and common result of sores on the back is, that sinuses or cavities, with an almost imperceptible orifice, insidiously eat away like poll-evil into the more important part of the adjacent structure. Here the aid of the veterinary surgeon is indispensable.
(Being myself acquainted with anatomy, I used to get a depending orifice as near as possible to the bottom of the sinus (as discovered with a probe) by a bistuary, laying the sinus open all the way; or if the direction were rather superficial, by the insertion of a seton-needle about the width of the sinus, run out at bottom, leaving the seton in to direct the discharge. The latter operation, if carefully conducted, is decidedly the simplest and best when practicable.)
For prevention of sore back avoid injurious pressure from an ill-fitting saddle; also removing it too quickly from, the back of a heated animal ([see “Work,” page 37]). Pressure of the terret-pad ([see page 59]), or of the roller from not being properly chambered over the ridge of the back ([see page 19]), must also be carefully guarded against.
WOUNDS,
if deep or dangerous, should meet with the immediate attention of a surgeon, as none but anatomists should deal with them. Generally speaking, the loss of a moderate quantity of blood is rather beneficial than otherwise, tending to avert inflammation. Where water-dressing ([see page 160]) can be applied, nothing is better in the first instance; and when the wound is fairly cleansed and evidently healing, the chloride of zinc lotion ([see page 158]) will advance that process and help to dry it up. When the surface is perfectly healed and a new skin formed, the growth of the hair will be promoted by the application of hog’s lard coloured with very finely powdered burnt leather.
MEGRIMS OR EPILEPSY
may proceed from the effects of the sun in very hot weather, from congestion of the blood-vessels of the brain and head, or from disordered stomach or indigestion. The horse when at work suddenly evinces a disinclination to proceed, appears bothered, and shows unaccountable perverseness—sometimes staggers and falls. Release him at once from whatever work he may be at; if the cause can be descried, treat in the most reasonable way accordingly. If the illness is supposed to proceed from the heat of the sun or congestion of the head, dash water on the head and keep it enveloped in cold wet cloths; also cool the system by aperients, giving rest for some time. If from indigestion, repeated mild aperients should be administered.
It is a strange fact known to those who are experienced on the road, that these fits are seldom or never taken during work at night. When such attacks are habitual the animal is only fit for farm-work.