22 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



LYMPHANGITIS WEED 



Definition. A constitutional disorder, with local manifestations of 

 an inflammatory nature, affecting the lymphatic glands and vessels of the 

 limbs. It is usually confined to one hind extremity, but occasionally 

 involves both, and sometimes attacks a fore one. 



Causes. Predisposition to this disease is especially marked in heavy 

 coarse-bred draught horses with a thick skin, round fleshy legs, and lym- 

 phatic temperament. It may, however, and occasionally does, attack the 

 lighter breeds, but this is of comparatively rare occurrence. Lymphangitis 

 seldom appears before the adult period of life has been reached. Animals 

 out on grass enjoy an immunity from it, and it is only when they are 

 housed and liberally fed on highly stimulating food in the course of 

 active work that the disease presents itself. 



LTnder these conditions the disorder appears to be excited by in- 

 sufficient exercise or a temporary respite from work; hence it is sometimes 

 termed " Monday morning disease", from the fact of its frequent occur- 

 rence after Sunday's rest. The intimate cause of the malady cannot be 

 clearly stated, but it would seem to have its origin in some vitiated state 

 of the blood, either resulting from imperfect assimilation of the food or 

 the too tardy elimination from the system of the waste products of the 

 wear and tear of the body. 



Symptoms. Two groups of symptoms are clearly manifested in this 

 disorder; one group has reference to the diseased limb, and the other 

 to the general system. In respect of the former it is observed to become 

 suddenly enlarged, hot, and painful. The swelling commonly extends 

 from the foot to the stifle, but may be less extensive in the milder forms 

 of attack. The animal shows intense lameness, and will sometimes hold 

 the leg suspended in the air as evidence of pain. The glands in the 

 groin are swollen, and in the more severe cases an oozing of a straw- 

 coloured fluid appears upon the skin. 



The constitutional symptoms are ushered in by rigors or shiverings, 

 an accelerated pulse, and hurried breathing. The temperature rises two 

 or three degrees above the normal standard. The mouth is hot and 

 clammy, the bowels constipated, and the urine thick, and somewhat 

 dark in colour, and loaded with solid matters. Under judicious manage- 

 ment the fever symptoms subside in thirty-six to forty-eight hours, and 

 the local symptoms show signs of abatement. 



Treatment. As a rule to which there are but few exceptions, a bold 

 dose of aloes in the form of a ball should be promptly administered, and 



