Rheumatism, Kennel Lameness, etc. 251 



of the worst features of the trouble is its tendency 

 towards impHcating the valves of the heart, the 

 structure of which is closely alHed to the same tissue 

 that enters into the formation of joints, i.e., fibrous 

 tissue, and the organisms of rheumatism seem to 

 have a selective affinity for this particular variety 

 of tissue, though not exclusively. Lumbago is 

 really nothing but rheumatism affecting the muscles 

 of the loins, though very often in a severe form. 

 Acute rheumatism is denoted by stiffness of a vari- 

 able degree, but if a sharp attack the hound may be 

 unable to move, howling with pain when it is even 

 touched. As a rule kennel lameness attacks one 

 of the fore hmbs and the muscles of the breast, 

 causing pain and stiffness, though in a lesser degree 

 than acute rheumatism. A characteristic feature 

 of this trouble is its tendency to change from one 

 limb to another; in other words, it is metastatic. 

 There are many obscure forms of lameness amongst 

 hounds that are ascribed to rheumatism, correctly 

 or incorrectly, but one attack of rheumatism predis- 

 poses to others, so that if one or more hounds in a 

 kennel are troubled with this complaint it is of 

 primary importance to attend to the condition of 

 the kennel flooring, and also to keep the hounds 

 warm and comfortable after they come in from work. 

 Brisk hand-rubbing and a deep bed of straw will go 

 a long way towards preventing the appearance of 



