— 380 — 



(2.) Chronic Rheumatism. — I have no hesitation in saying that 

 chronic rheumatism in a joint is one of the most prolific causes 

 of occult or hidden lameness in horses; while this is so, when 

 there are no swellings to point to as a proof of the correctness of 

 your opinion, many will question your judgment. But it is with 

 this, as with many things in the world — time onl}" being required 

 for a thorough development of the fact. 



Treatment of Chronic Rheumatism. Give a few doses of aconite 

 root, followed by the colchicum or saffron seeds, the sulphuric 

 acid and the alkaline, as is recommended in acute rheumatism, 

 but not pushing them to such an active extent. A liniment may 

 be applied to the rheumatic joint or joints composed of chloroform 

 and olive oil, equal parts, to be used once a day, with friction by 

 tlie hand. One part of the tincture of aconite root, may, in ad- 

 dition, be used to advantage with the chloroform. 



(3.) Rheumatism. — Accompanying Diseases of the Throat. This 

 combination is often met with, which is due to the fact that the 

 same serous or fibrous tissue or membrane is affected in each of 

 the diseases. Nevertheless, we do not see cases of throat disease 

 following rheumatism ; from which we derive the fact that those 

 membranes are not capable of reflecting upwards and backwards 

 their sympath}" or feeling as the nerves of the body are. So, 

 therefore, I am inclined to the belief that rheumatism in this 

 form, is the effect of disease in the throat, and not a cause of the 

 disease. 



Treatment. Cure the disease in the throat, and the rheumatism 

 will be deprived of its cause and support. (See Influenza and 

 Gastritis Mucosa.) 



Ring-bone. — This is a serious affection, and consists of a circle 

 of bone thrown out from the underlying bone. Sometimes, in 

 addition to this, the cartilages of the foot are converted into bone, 

 and laid in the form of a circle ; and hence its name, ring-bone. 

 It is most common in the fore legs of heavy, coarse-bred horses, 

 with short and straight up pastern-joints. When it occurs in fine- 

 bred horses, it is usually the hind leg which is affected. Ring- 

 bone does not alwa3"s cause lameness. 



Cause. Hereditary predisposition, from a peculiar formation of 

 pastern-joints, which are found not well adapted to hard work; 



