408 The Diseases of Animals 



Some cases of dropsy are due to chronic organic 

 trouble, and are likely to be serious. The cause of the 

 original disease is to be sought and removed, when 

 the dropsical condition usually disappears. 



"BIG LEG," LYMPHANGITIS 



"Big leg" is an inflammation of the lymphatic glands, 

 usually of the hind legs. In some respects it resembles 

 "stocking," but it is much more severe and usually af- 

 fects the whole system. This disease is also called "milk 

 leg," especially when it has become chronic and the 

 leg is permanently enlarged. Lymphangitis is most 

 frequent in heavy draft horses, or in coarse plethoric 

 individuals, but it may occur in any horse. 



The disease is likely to occur after a short period of 

 idleness. It usually begins with a chill, which is fol- 

 lowed by a fever. The temperature may go to 105, 

 depending on the severity of the attack. The affected 

 leg is swollen and tender, the horse is often able to bear 

 but little weight on it, and manipulation, especially on 

 the inside, causes pain. The lymphatic glands and 

 vessels extending down on the inside of the thigh are 

 swollen, cord -like and tender. The pulse is full and 

 throbbing, respiration rapid, appetite lost and the 

 bowels constipated. 



In chronic cases, the leg becomes permanently en- 

 larged, the inflammation subsides, and the animal suffers 

 little inconvenience except from the immobility of the 

 leg. This condition is called "elephantiasis." 



A purgative of six to eight drams of aloes should 



