EHEUMATISM 21 



only, or it may iiivoh^e two or more. In the chronic or sub-acute form 

 of the disease there is seldom any obvious disturbance of the system, 

 the jjulse, breathing, and temperature remain normal, and the appetite 

 is undisturbed. The disease mostly attacks the limbs, but may also im- 

 plicate the muscles of the loins, producing lumbar rheumatism or lumbago. 

 The seat of attack may or may not be enlarged, but more or less heat 

 and tenderness is generally observed in it. AVhen swelling of the struc- 

 tures appears it is usually firm, and seldom altogether disappears. The 

 pain and lameness is liable to vary in severity from day to day, and to 

 shift from part to part, and from limb to limb, so that the lame leg to-day 

 may be the sound one to-morrow, and vice versa. An animal once affected 

 with rheumatism seldom escapes a second attack, and the liability to re- 

 currence of the disease becomes greater as time goes on. Many of those 

 large swellings found on the limbs of horses involving the bones are of 

 rheumatic origin, as are also others seen in the tendons and ligaments of 

 the legs. The joints of horses are frequently found to become gradually 

 enlarged by repeated attacks of the disease. 



Treatment. — The reduction of temperature in those sudden and acute 

 attacks of rheumatism referred to is of first importance, and this should 

 be attempted by the administration of successive doses of salicine. The 

 salicylate of soda is perhaps the most useful salt in rheumatic affections, 

 and doses of 4 to 8 drams are not considered excessive. If the heart 

 is weak and too easily depressed, salicylic acid may be preferred as having 

 less action upon that organ. This treatment may be accompanied by 

 a mild aperient, preferably of a saline nature, as sulphate of magnesia 

 or soda, and if the symptoms do not rapidly abate salicylates may be 

 exchanged for iodide of potassium, with bicarbonate of potash or soda 

 in the drinking-water. The diet should not be stimulating, and if the 

 allowance of corn has been full it should be consideral)ly reduced. 

 Where very acute pain is evinced it may be desirable to place the 

 patient in slings, and to employ anodynes both internally and to the 

 swollen parts {see section on anodynes). Hot fomentations and bandages 

 to the inflamed parts, friction with the hand, aided by liniments of soap 

 and iodine, also afford considerable relief. 



Eecurrent rheumatism at particular periods, as in moulting and during 

 the prevalence of east winds, may be combated in advance by a course 

 of soda or potash and a laxative dose of medicine a little while before 

 the usual time of attack. Good drainage, a dry stable, and plenty of dry 

 bedding are particularly desirable for horses that have been previously 

 subject to rheumatism. 



