Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatism . 553 



The local application of anti-rheumatic agents would embrace 

 all the salicylates, oil of wintergreen and guaiacol, the latter 

 mixed with an equal amount of glycerine. Methyl salicylate 

 has been strongl}^ recounnended for external use. 



Stenel covers the surface with lint smeared with salicylate of 

 methyl ointment, and then applies a plaster bandage over all. 

 This removes muscular spasm, pain and swelling and is rarely re- 

 quired for longer than a few days. 



In cases in which salicylates fail, other agents have been re- 

 sorted to in man and to a lesser extent in the lower animals. 

 Greenhovv strongly advocates a combination of quinine and potas- 

 sium iodide internally, while Russell Reynolds has successfully 

 employed tincture of muriate of iron in large doses repeated every 

 three hours. 



In chronic cases these would especially commend themselves as 

 calculated to repair the general health and overcome the loss of 

 haemoglobin. In chronic rheumatism a course of tonics is often 

 the best resort, and in dogs especially cod liver oil has benefitted 

 when all else had failed. Arsenic too (3 to 8 drops Fowler's 

 solution thrice daily) has been beneficial in bota dogs and pigs. 

 In other cases iodide of iron has been helpful. So also with 

 gum guaiacum given in combination with potassium iodide. In 

 such cases too, treatment by alkalies and salicylates may be called 

 for, and close attention should always be given to secure a free 

 action of tlie liver, bowels and kidneys. The local treatment 

 recommended for acute rheumatism, (hot baths, frictions with 

 essential oils and above all blisters of mustard or cantharides) is 

 even more applicable to the chronic. A firm bandage over a 

 covering of cotton wool, and a systematic application of electricity 

 will often help. Warmth, a run at grass in a sheltered sunny 

 paddock, moderate exercise and a nutritious and easily digestible 

 diet are important conditions. 



