CHAPTER XVIII. 



DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 

 1. Weed in the Leg (Lymphangitis). 



This disease is Vcssown by various other names, such as 

 water farcy, big leg or Monday morning fever. It is very 

 common now in this country, and is liable to be more so, on 

 account of horses being better fed and cared for than form- 

 erly. It generally affects the hind legs, but sometimes affects 

 the front legs. 



Causes. — Lymphangitis is common among hard-worked 

 and highly-fed horses, and one of the commonest causes is 

 continuing to feed heavily during a period of idleness after 

 being worked hard. The direct cause is the result of an over- 

 supply of nutriment in the blood which unduly stimulates and 

 gives rise to inflammation of tiiie lymphatic glands of the legs. 

 This inflammation prevents their proper absorption of the 

 lymph and to their failure to carry it off is largely due the 

 swelling that naturally follows. A similar condition may 



the Leg (Lymphangitis). 



have its source in the prick of a nail or other injury in the 

 foot or because of an over-supply of fibrine in the blood. 



Heavy horses having a sluggish circulation are more 

 likely to be affected than light horses. 



