GENERAL DISEASES. 191 



affected parts are hot and swollen. Rarely are several joints attacked at 

 the same time; usually the disease partially runs its course in one before 

 another is involved. 



When recovery takes place the swellings of the joints disappear without 

 leaving any traces of the disease behind them; in some instances a slight 

 weakness and painfulness will for a time linger as an evidence of the pre- 

 vious existence of the malady. 



Treatment, — To place an animal suffering from the disease in warm, 

 dry quarters, is the first important step to take. The painful joints should 

 be enveloped in cotton batting ; the bowels opened by the syrup of buck- 

 thorn ; a bland unstimulating diet allowed, and the following given.— 

 R Sodii Salicylates 3 i j 

 Aquae g iij 



Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose one teaspoonful. 



This mixture should be administered eveiy two hours, in a little milk, 

 untiLimprovement is observed, then at longer intervals to complete re- 

 covery. The tendency of the disease to relapse should not be forgotten, 

 and during the convalescent stage exposure should be carefully guarded 

 against. 



Chronic rheumatism rarely follows as a result of the acute form. The 

 general symptoms are stiffness, some pain of no great intensity, tender- 

 ness comparatively slight, swelling of the joints, little or no fever. The 

 constitutional disturbance is trifling if any, the appetite remains good, the 

 different functions of the body are nearly normal, and nutrition is unaf- 

 fected. Radical changes in the weather are generally followed by more 

 acute symptoms in the affected joints. 



Local treatment in chronic rheumatism is important, and benefit may be 

 anticipated from the use of the tincture of iodine or blistering the joints 

 involved. Measures having reference to improving the general health 

 and the tone of the system are essential, and embrace tonic remedies, nu- 

 tritious diet, exercise, etc. 



The iodide of potassium is a valuable remedy in many cases, and may 

 be given in three or four grain doses, two or three times daily. If an iron 

 tonic is indicated the syrup of the iodide can be substituted; dose fifteen 

 drops three times a day with the food. 



Lumbago. 



This affection is a form of the so-called muscular rheumatism, and differs 

 essentially from that disease which attacks the joints. The muscles of the 

 loins are the seat of the disturbance, and the animal's movements are 



