76 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



and more frequently affects the hind-legs than the fore-legs. 

 The disease is seldom seen affecting more than one limb at 

 a time. The heaviest breeds of horses are predisposed to 

 lymphangitis; as in such horses the absorbent system is far 

 more sluggish than it is in the lighter breeds, and more 

 particularly are predisposed good feeders, with coarse, 

 round limbs. The disease is very common in England and 

 Scotland, and also in every city practice. 



Causes. — As previously stated, some animals are un- 

 doubtedly predisposed to this disease, as heavy, phlegmatic 

 horses, etc. ; but the disease may occur in the very best bred 

 horses! A common cause is, after an animal has been used 

 to hard work, allowing him to stand in the stable idle for a 

 few days, and giving at the same time as much food as he 

 had when working; consequently more chyle is formed 

 than can be used, the lymphatic glands and vessels become 

 over -loaded and irritated, inflammation follows, and 

 lymphangitis becomes established. When a horse rests, the 

 quantity of food should be decreased ; and in some cases a 

 diuretic should be exhibited. Another cause of lymphangitis 

 is direct injury, as punctured wounds and kicks; and it is 

 sometimes caused by brushing, cold getting into the wound, 

 or the application of some irritant dressing. An exceptional 

 cause is cracked heels. It also sometimes occurs after the 

 animal has suffered with a debilitating disease. In such a case 

 it is due to the breaking-up of tissue ; and as a rule in such 

 cases both hind-legs are simultaneously affected. However, 

 we may very properly consider the disease to be a dietetic 

 affection, as it is generally caused by a too stimulating diet ; 

 and in this form also occurs in its greatest severity. 



Sym])toms.—T\\Q disease begins with rigors, which are 

 sometimes very severe ; the animal trembles violently ; the 

 mouth is hot ; respirations are increased in number; violent 

 febrile symptoms are manifested, the pulse being full and 



