CHAPTER XII. 



DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY AND LYMPHATIC 

 SYSTEM. 



Diseases op the Circulatory System. 



428. Edema of the legs (stocking, dropsy of the legs, filled 

 legs). — A chronic condition of the legs in which there is more or less 

 swelling. 



Causes. — Debility, heavy feeding, and lack of exercise. 



Symptoms. — Moderate, nonpainful swelling of one or both hind 

 legs which disappears more or less by exercise and returns after the 

 animal has stood in the stable for some time. The swelling may 

 sometimes extend to the sheath and belly. The fore legs are rarely 

 affected. 



Treatment. — Laxative diet. Regular exercise. Hand rub and 

 bandage the legs immediately after the animal returns from work. 

 Tonics. 



Diseases of the Lymphatic System. 



429. Acute lymphangitis (fig. 48). — ^An acute inflammation of 

 the lymphatics of one or more limbs, usually a hind one, seldom a 

 fore one. 



Causes. — High feeding and irregular exercise. The disease seldom 

 occurs in animals that are regularly worked. It is usually seen in 

 those that, in the midst of hard work, are kept idle in the stable for 

 two or three days on the same ration they had while working. 



Sym.pt oms. — Loss of appetite, great thirst, shivering, labored 

 breathing, rapid pulse, and high temperature (104°-106°). The 

 animal dislikes to move and if forced to do so, it shows great lameness 

 in one hind limb, which at each step is carried outward well away 

 from the opposite leg. The inside of the thigh of the affected limb 

 is swollen, hot, and exceedingly painful to the touch. If not re- 

 lieved, the swelling gradually increases until the limb becomes two 

 or three times its natural thickness. There is usually constipation, 

 and the urine is scanty and high-colored. 



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