476 RHEUMATISM. 



external stimulating applications, as warm fomentations, 

 diluted tincture of arnica, spirits of wine and camphor, soap 

 liniment, &c. If the blood remain fluid, promote its escape 

 by making a small depending orifice : if it suppurate, treat 

 as a common abscess. When sloughing occurs, treat as 

 directed under the head of gangrene. Should the tumour 

 remain indurated, stimulate with iodine ointment, mixed 

 with that of Spanish flies, and by friction. 



RHEUMATISM 



In the horse is doubted by some, who nevertheless cannot 

 account for many anomalous symptoms on any other patho- 

 logical view. It is acknowledged in cattle ; and no one con- 

 versant with dogs but is aware rheumatism is one of the 

 most prevalent diseases with those animals. The horse, 

 then, is the subject of a disease essentially rheumatic ; that 

 is, he is liable to an attack on the membranous and tendi- 

 nous aponeuroses of the muscles, more particularly of the 

 fore extremities. It appears also to be occasioned by cold 

 and moisture, though it may also spring from high feeding ; 

 and it is seen both in an acute and a chronic form. 



Of acute rheumatism well-marked cases are occasionally 

 encountered, which were traceable to the effects of cold or 

 moisture. The leading characters were alike in all ; the 

 attack being ushered in by universal stifl'ness, but more par- 

 ticularly of the fore extremities. Sometimes the case is 

 attended with considerable tumefaction in front of the 

 breast. The treatment consists in first decreasing the food 

 to so much only as will support life and diminish fat. Then 

 give the following ball night and morning, until the bowels 

 are freely opened, when it is to be withheld till purgation 

 has ceased, and then recommenced : — 



Powdered colchicum two drachms. 



Calomel one scruple. 



Opium one drachm. 



Aloes , one drachm. 



Powdered capsicums half a drachm. 



In the mean time the swollen parts may be freely fomented 

 with very hot water, and afterwards well rubbed with soap 

 liniment, to every pint of which a quarter of a pint of liquor 

 ammonia fort, has been added. 



