250 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



sive action and i^revent supj^uration. If there is any indication of 

 abscess forming, poultices of linseed meal and bran made into a paste 

 with hot water should be applied, or a mild blistering ointment 

 rubbed in over the swollen gland. As soon as fluctuation can be felt 

 a free opening must be made for the escape of the contained pus. 

 The wound may subsequently be washed out with a solution of chlo- 

 ride of zinc, 5 grains to the ounce of water, three times a day. 



LYMPHANGITIS. 



■• Specific inflammation of the lymphatic structures usually affects 

 the hind legs ; very seldom a fore leg. This disease is very sudden in 

 its attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high temperature 



.and great general disturbance. 



Causes. — Horses of lymphatic, or sluggish, temperament are pre- 



• disposed to this affection. It usually attacks well-fed animals, and in 

 such cases may be due to an excess of nutritive elements in the blood. 

 Sudden changes in work or in the habits of the animal may induce an 

 attack. 



Symptoms. — It is usually ushered in by a chill, rise in temperature, 

 and some uneasiness; in a very short time this is followed by lame- 

 ness in one leg and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling 

 gradually surrounds the whole limb and continues on downward until 

 it reaches the foot. The limb is excessively tender to the touch, the 

 animal jDerspires, the breathing is accelerated, pulse hard and quick, 

 and the temperature may reach 106° F. The bowels early become 

 constipated and the urine scanty. The symptoms usually are on the 

 increase for about two days, then they remain stationary for the same 

 length of time; the fever then abates; the swelling recedes and be- 

 comes less painful. It is very seldom, though, that all the swelling 

 leaves the leg; generally it leaves some permanent enlargement, and 

 the animal becomes subject to recurrent attacks. Occasionally, the 

 inguinal lymphatic glands (in the groin) undergo suppuration, and 

 pyemia may supervene and prove fatal. In severe cases the limb be- 

 comes denuded of hair in patches, and the skin remains indurated 

 with a fibrous growth, which is known by the name of elefhcmtiasis. 

 Treatment. — The parts should be bathed freely and frequently with 

 water as hot as the hand can bear and then fomented with vinegar 

 and water, equal parts, to which add 2 ounces of nitrate of potassa 

 for each gallon. This should be applied frequently, after the hot 

 water for the first day. Afterwards, the leg may be dried with a 

 woolen cloth and bathed with camphorated soap liniment. Inter- 

 nally, administer artificial Carlsbad salts in 2 to 4 ounce doses three 

 times daily. Feed lightly and give complete rest. This treatment, 

 if instituted early in the attack, very frequently brings about a re- 

 markable change within twentv-four hours. 



