164 DISEASES OF THE BONES AND ARTICULATIONS. 



the back, pain evinced when the umbilicus is pressed upon, some 

 swelling of the parts and a doughy feeling, with constipation of 

 the bowels, accelerated breathing, and rapid prostration. In 

 other instances the first noticeable sign may be lameness in one 

 or more limbs, with swelling of one or more joints, considerable 

 fever, accelerated respiratory movements, &c., whilst, again, all 

 these symptoms may be almost simultaneously manifested. 



The nature of the disease was first described by Bollinger, 

 who found tliat the arthritis is due to the condition of the 

 urachus, and the treatment should be directed to that condition, 

 and the experience of veterinarians in this country has confirmed 

 this view. 



The causes are sometimes very obscure, but any ordinary 

 cause, such as cold — particularly damp-cold — or being kept in 

 ill-drained places, may induce it, and it has been observed that 

 where mares and foals are pastured in fields that have been 

 lately dressed with bone manure, the foals are very apt to suffer 

 from this disease. 



The application of a ligature to the umbilical cord — a repre- 

 hensible practice, particularly if applied too close to the abdomen 

 — is another cause of the disease. 



Any and all of these causes induce inflammation in the 

 remains of the umbilical vessels, artery, vein, and urachus, which 

 soon assumes a septic character ; the septic products are absorbed 

 into the circulation, cause the inflammation of the articulations 

 and bones, and it is now found that the most successful method 

 of treating it is to excise the remains of the umbilicus close to 

 the floor of the abdomen, remove all debris of blood, &c. 

 contained in the surrounding tissue, foment well, and dress 

 antiseptically, and if there be colicky pain, freely foment the parts. 



The excision of the cord is necessary whether the urachus 

 remain patent or not, and is to be performed in all cases where 

 the abdominal pain or joint affection are associated with heat, 

 swelling, or tenderness of the umbilical region. -If there be 

 constipation of the bowels, enemas, containing a teaspoon ful of 

 glycerine, are advisable. 



In conclusion, it must be always remembered that the health 

 of the mother i)lays a most important part in the production and 

 removal of this disease, and must upon all occasions demand the 

 veterinary surgeon's care and attention. 



