174 



THE STOCK OWNER S ADVISER. 



had cases jiresenting symptoms of rheumatism. On one farm 

 every young horse brought there has become similarly diseased. 

 Out of twenty-one cases presenting symptoms of rheumatism, 

 that came under my observation in this locality, only seven 

 developed big-head. Some of this number were treated three 

 and four years ago, and are now well. Some that were not able 

 to stand without the aid of slings have made good recovery, and 

 never showed enlargement of the bones of the head. It is first 



noticed fi'om lifting the 

 foot in pain, while standing 

 in the stable; later there 

 will be lameness in one 

 or more joints, shifting 

 from one joint to the other, 

 and ultimately there will 

 be enlargement of the head. 

 This period may extend 

 over a year. Those cases 

 with big-head yielded to 

 treatment as readily as 

 others that showed no en- 

 largement of the head. 



One case, that had big- 

 head, had shown symptoms 

 of lameness of the joints for 

 some time, and was not 

 treated. During the night, and while in her box stall, there was 

 rupture of the internal lateral and capsular ligament of the knee 

 joint. She was destroyed, and the post-mortem revealed the fol- 

 lowing condition of parts: From the upper part of the cannon 

 bone its periosteum was removed, and the bone was darkened with 

 small detached pieces. The periosteum of the long bones near the 

 joints could be easily removed. The long bones were not soft; 

 they were firm enough externally, but on section were found to 

 be thinner than normal. The cartilage of some of the joints was 



Fig. 35 — Osteo Porosis. 



