206 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK. 



for awhile, until the nervous energy is restored; and then 

 they exhibit a spasmodic overaction that produces cramp. 

 The horse seems utterly powerless to control their action, 

 and they jerk and twitch in a most singular manner. The 

 circulation, which has been partially suspended, is soon re- 

 stored by this exercise, and as the parts become warmed the 

 muscles relax, and their pliancy and elasticity return. 



Cramping seems to be a species of temporary rheumatism. 

 It is very painful, and often leaves lameness and great sore- 

 ness behind it. When this is the case, no paine should be 

 spared to find the affected part, which, may be done by press- 

 ing upon the muscles of the legs with the hand. The horse 

 will wince when the tender spot is touched. 



TREATMENT. 



Bleed once, taking away three Quarts of blood. Wash the 

 parts well with salt and water, and rub them for some time 

 with the hand or a rough cloth. When dry, apply the cor- 

 rosive liniment once. 



RHEUMATISM. 



Very few persons are aware how frequently this disease at- 

 tacks the horse. Even among professional veterinarians it 

 has received but little attention. Yet many instances of 

 lameness have occurred — cases in which the horse apparently 

 suffered excruciating pain, and was barely able to move his 

 limbs at all — that could be referred to "no other possible 

 cause. There is no reason whatever why the horse's frame 

 should be exempt from rheumatism any more than the hu- 

 man. The physiology of the two are very much alike, and 

 exposure or bad treatment will be as likely to bring it on in 

 one as in the other. 



Old horses are those most subject to rheumatism, especially 

 when they have been abused or very hard worked. It rarely 

 occurs among younger animals, unless their energies have 

 been greatl}^ overtaxed. Yet exposure and severe usage do not 

 appear to be the only causes of rheumatism. The lean horse, 



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