178 Diseases of the Horse, 



and if the swelling becomes excessive, may be freely scarified 



with the lancet. 



The convalescence in this disease is often very prolonged, 



and the owner must make up his mind to do without the use 



of the animal many weeks if he would see him recover to ad- 



vantasre. As a valuable internal stimulant in this and simi- 



lar low fevers, Mr. Gamgee speaks highly of mustard : — 



No. 190. Powdered mustard seed, 

 Powdered juniper berries, 

 Flowers of sulphur, each 6 oz. 



This to be added to a quarter peck of oat meal; and three or four table- 

 spoonfuls given several times a day. 



The same authority has derived advantage from the min- 

 eral acids in conditions of exhaustion, as — 



No. 191. Muriatic acid, 



Or sulphuric acid, of either 30 drops. 



Water, 1 oz. 



Give three times a day, in a pint of ale. 



RHEUMATISM. 



Definition. — An inflammation of the joints, tendons, liga- 

 ments or muscles, due to an unhealthy condition of the blood, 

 accompanied by stiffness and lameness. The inflammation 

 changes its seat from one part of the body to another, and 

 very rarely passes into suppuration. 



Causes. — In animals it may occasionally arise, in weak and 

 old subjects, from exposure to cold and damp, but usually fol- 

 lows or accompanies catarrhs, colds, influenza or other disor- 

 ders. It appears in some instances to be hereditary, and to 

 arise from a natural predisposition. 



$3fmptoms. — The two forms of rheumatism are the acute 

 and the chronic. 



Acute rheumatism, sometimes called rheumatic fever, be- 

 gins with sudden lameness, with or without swelling of 

 some particular joint. There are signs of fever, indicated by 



