St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1860-05-10
MisteIlanp.
POLL EVIL.


Poll Evil is swelling of an in
hammatOry character, which, if not
checked in its earlier stages will end
i'll an absccss and fistula. The napc
OF the neck is usually the scat of
this disease. Before proceeding to a
description of the methods of treat
mcnt, it may be well to alludc to some
of the causes which operate in its pro-
duction. Low ceilings in stables are
an exceedingly fruitful source. Rest
less horses, thus placed, are very apt
to strike the poll against the beams
or overhead flooring, and frequent
rcpettions will terminate in indura-
ton. Throwing or jerking, the head
upward, when " fastened Short" caus-
cs frequent pressure by halter and
bride, bruises result, tumcfaction and
suppuratiOn ensuc. Fastening the
halter and bride too tight, thus pro-
ducing excessive friction, is, probably,
the most frequent cause. Simple as
it may seem, the clumsy manner in
which the collar is put on OF the
forcing on of a collar too small for the
horse, is often the parent of the iniu-
ry. Lack Of care in groomng,-fcr
it is well known that the poll is sell
dom introduced to either brush or cur
ry'cOmb, causes an accumulation Of
dirt, cutancous eruption arises, and
the horse receives injury while rub
bing himself in order to be relieved of
fat
consequent thcrcupou. Excessive
bracing of the head of the horse down
ward with the martingale, produces a
pressure which brings the poll under
constant strain. These are the prin.
cipal agents in bringing this disease
into existence, and, hence, we may
adopt the saying Of a celebrated vctcr-
marian "Poll Evil results either from
neglect or abuse
OftcD:imes, this disease is not per-
ccivcd until an unhealthy suppuration
has set in, when it is exceedingly diff
ficult to cure. The form in which it
first presents itself is that of an oval
tumor, hot and tender When in the
suppurative stage, aud the location Of
the matter is deep seated, on manipu-
lating the affected part, scarcely any
iluctuation is observable, but should
the matter lie directly under the skin,
or in the cellular tissues, it may be
easily asccrtaincd.
Ia the carly stages Of the disease,
Dr. Dadd recommends keeping the
horse upon light diet, giving a dose Of
cooling medicine, and having the dis
eased part constantly wet, by means
of cold water bandages. If the tu-
NOR be of the indo'cnt sort, substitute
solution Of salt and vinegar. Con-
tinuc this treatment for few DAYS.
If the tumor increases, and has soft,
huctuatinG feeling, poulticc with lin
seed. Do not wait for the tumor to
break, but as soon as matter can be
distinctly felt, open at tho lower mar
gin, not at the summit. Make the in
cislon large, SO that no obstruction
will exist to a full and free discharge
Of matter, and press it out. To pro.
mote this discharge, make a paste Of
sugar, soap, and powdered bloodroot,
equal parts. Rub together in a NOR.
tar, spread on cotton cloth. about
the thickness Of dollar, and apply,
securing by bandagc.
With the majority of cases, DR.
Dadd, after opening the abscess, and
pressing out as much as possible of
the morbid accumulations, enicavors
to stop the suppurativc process, in
the following manner Take a six or
eight ounce syringe, and inject the
cavity several times with tincture of
iodine ; after which, cram into the
chasm a portion Of salt and bloodroot,
equal parts /: put 4 cold water pad
| upon the cmlncnce, cncircle with Il
roller passed around the head and
neck, as tight as the circumstances
will permit. The following day re-
move the bandagc, wash, dress, inject
a small quantity Of the tincture of
iodine, and bandage as before. Fol.
/ low this treatment for several days,
aud should the discharge have de-
creased, and other symptoms appear
favorable, the chances favor Il cure
The object in this mode is to excite
adhesive inflammation, by means OF
which, and external pressure, the sur
faces OF the interior are glued togcth
er.
Where the documentary, tendinous
and bony structures are involved, ac
companied with fistulas, the only rem
edy is the knife The part must b,
laid open, and all fistulous pipes Gu
out. If portion Of the bone be dis
eascd, that must also be removed
Cleanse with a solution Of chloride @
lime, or pyroligneous acid, bring tn
, edges together by suturc, leaving al
opening at the base for the discharg'
of matter. Healing by adhesion il
the object which must DC kept in view
. If failure is apparent, and the part as
,, sumo a morbid type, inject and dress
with equal parts Of spirits OF turpen
tine, pyroligneous acid, and linseeC
oil Fir balsam may be used witt
|. good effect, when Incidence and NOR
, biditv is the characteristic. As sool
as disposition to heal is manifested
dress with tincturc of aiocs an,
myrrh. While the locality of the dis
ease has its specific attention, do 10
fail TO watch the general health an,
keep the bowels soluble Sulphur
sassafras, and cream Of tartar, ar
the best remedies. es.-New Yorker.
Proportions of the Human Figure.
The proportions Of the human figure
are strictly mathematical The whole