92 RHEUMATISM. 



peculiar to itself, and generally extends to an entire district, whilst 

 rheumatism appears in an isolated form. Again, the arthritis peculiar 

 to osseous cachexia most commonly affects the joints of the extremities 

 (fetlock and phalanges). The disease may be differentiated from laminitis 

 by simply manipulating the joints, which are painful in rheumatism 

 but not in laminitis, and by percussing the claws, which are painful in 

 laminitis but not in rheumatism, and by noting the character of the gait. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is grave, as in all acute diseases which 

 are capable of assuming a protracted chronic form. It is also necessary 

 to take into account the loss of condition, the possibility of relapse, and 

 the complications due to prolonged decubitus. 



Treatment. The first indication is to place the patients in a nearly 

 constant temperature, to supply bedding generously, and to arrange for 

 the animal being undisturbed. Among drugs salicylate of soda gives the 

 best results if administered in sufficient doses — 6 to 7 drams per day for 

 oxen or cows of medium size, 45 to 75 grains for sheep. 



Diuretics, like bicarbonate of soda, nitrate of potash and hay tea or 

 infusion of couch grass, pellitory, etc., also give good results. 



The joints attacked may be blistered, but it is often preferable to use 

 mild ointments, containing camphor or belladonna, because, as soon as 

 pain diminishes, moderate massage of the affected parts, which favours 

 rapid absorption of the effusions, can then at once be resorted to. The 

 diet should consist of easily digested food and of lukewarm hay tea, etc. 

 When the animals are suffering from kidney disease in any form 

 salicylate of soda is contra-indicated. 



Antipyrin may also be of service in doses of 45 to 75 grains for bovines 

 and 15 grains for sheep. Preparations of methyl salicylate can only be 

 used for animals of value. 



MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM, 



Muscular rheumatism is due to causes similar to those of articular 

 rheumatism. The symptoms, moreover, often occur simultaneously, or 

 may alternate with the articular manifestations, with which they are 

 seldom entirely unconnected. 



Moist cold seems to be the predetermining cause, whether it acts 

 indirectly on the nerve trunks or affects the capillary circulation in the 

 muscles, through the medium of the vaso-motor supply. The results are 

 revealed by the development of neuralgia, neuritis or interstitial myositis; 

 and these diseases, by producing more or less intense pain, cause 

 difficulty in movement or distinct lameness. Attempts have been made 

 to explain the development of these lesions by ascribing a certain action 

 to the uric acid (which is said to be in excess in the body), and to the 



