108 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



The swelling and tenderness are first noticed in the 

 lymphatics of the inguinal or brachial region, and the 

 swelling is oedematous, firraish, and slightly irregular. It 

 feels hot, is very tender, and gradually extends down_ 

 wards, firstly on the inner side of the thigh, but gradually 

 encircling the whole of the limb. The pain and lameness 

 increase until the crisis of the fever is reached, and then 

 remain stationary for a day or two. In severe cases a 

 serous exudation occurs over the inner surface of the limb 

 in the course of the vessels, particularly at the flexures of 

 the joints. 



The general and local symptoms continue to increase in 

 severity for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and then, 

 remaining stationary, are followed in a day or two by 

 defervescence of the fever, and gradual absorption of the 

 local extravasations slowly reduces the swelling. 



Lymphangitis is very prone to recur, and with each fresh 

 attack there is less chance of complete recovery, for in 

 many cases the connective-tissue of the limb becomes 

 hypertrophied and indurated. This condition becomes 

 permanently established, and the entire bulk of the limb 

 is augmented, the hair is removed in patches, and the skin 

 also becomes hypertrophied and indurated. From the 

 organized fibroid state of the connective-tissue, this condi- 

 tion has been termed ' Elephantiasis Fibroma,' or ' Ele- 

 phantiasis.' 



Sometimes, after the disappearance of the fever of a first 

 or second attack, abscesses may be formed on the inner 

 aspect of the limb. They are generally confined to the 

 subcutaneous connective-tissues. 



Prognosis. — The great majority of cases recover com- 

 pletely, but the fibroid condition may be left as a sequel. 



Complications. — Are rare ; there may be pneumonia or 

 enteric complications. 



