424 MYOSITIS. 



but towards the bottom of the chest the healthy murmur is 

 frequently associated with a buzzing or humming noise, which 

 arises from muscular tremor. The skin over the part diseased 

 is contracted into folds, and the affected tissues are swollen 

 and warmer, and firmer than natural ; the animal shrinks if the 

 sides of the chest are pressed, and frequently emits a low 

 grunt ; the movements are performed reluctantly, and with a 

 short paddling gait ; and the extremities are generally cold. 



Pathogn^omonic PEOors. — The proofs are of such a 

 character that by careful attention the matter is rendered one 

 of certainty. Has the patient teen very recently subjected to 

 excessive and long continued exertion, especially in harness ? and 

 are the sides, or parts affected, sivollen, hot, and tender ? 



Symptoms of Gei^eral Myositis. — The animal, if made 

 to walk, performs the act slowly, and steps out timidly ; or if left 

 alone, stands for hours in succession as if rooted to the place ; 

 the pulse generally beats from fifty to sixty, or sixty-eight 

 per minute, and the respirations are usually from thirteen to 

 sixteen or eighteen ; the abdomen presents a peculiar contracted 

 condition ; the skin seems as though it was literally glued to 

 the flesh and to the bones ; the hair is dry, and harsh to the 

 touch ; the bowels are constipated, and the urine is scanty and 

 high coloured ; the animal shrinks if handled or pressed upon ; 

 the appetite is bad ; now and then the horse will pick a small 

 portion of hay, and he does not lie down. 



A patient affected with a severe form of Myositis appears 

 as though suffering under a combination of the diseases. Teta- 

 nus and Rheumatism . 



Pathognomonic Proofs. — Has the patient heen very re- 

 cently subjected to excessive and long continued exertion, especially 



