Rheumatism 41 



CAUSES 



The exact cause of rheumatism is not well establislied. One of the 

 more recent tlieories is Uiat rheumatism is an infectious disease. That 

 is it is caused by disease producing bacteria which enter the body and get 

 into the blood causing the disease to develop. Some believe that rheuma- 

 tism is caused by accumulation of acid in the blood. Others believe the 

 disease is caused by strains etc. 



While the exact and specific causes are unknown there are some 

 known factors that are inducive to the disease upon which most authorities 

 agree. Among these factors are cold, damp quarters, allowing the ani- 

 mals to cool off rapidly after severe exercise. An animal that has been 

 heavily fed and pampered and is suddenly changed to a light diet and 

 exposure is a good subject for the disease. Tlius the disease is not infre- 

 quently met with in show animals if they are not properly handled. To a 

 limited degree rheumatism seems to be hereditary. 



SYMPTOMS 



As this disease is both acute and chronic the symptoms may come 

 on very rapidly, or they may be slow in developing. The muscles of the 

 organs of locomation are the ones most frequently effected in the horse. 

 The animal becomes stiff. The joint form of the disease shifts from joint 

 lo joint, and the limbs that are first attack often completely recover. The 

 etiected joints or muscles are painful to the horse when touched. The 

 stiffness is most noticeable in backing or turning. The horse may limp 

 or even drag the legs. Generalized rheumatism is accompanied by 

 generalized fever while in localized rheumatism local fever is manifest. 



TREATMENTS 



For localized rheumatism the treatment for swellings and inflama- 

 lion and is often beneficial and all that is necessary. 



The animal should be well bedded and allowed all the water he will 

 drink. The horse should receive laxative feeds as oil meal, oats, bran, 

 clover hay, etc. 



In generalized rheumatism Y-k ounce of salicylite of soda may be 

 giiven 3 times daily in a bran and molasses ball placed well back on the 

 tongue with a long handled spoon, 



Friedberger and Frohner recommend Hypodermic injections iiVto 



