RHEUMATISM. 155 



with extreme pain in the legs and joints ; so much so, that 

 the stricken horse has not a leg to stand upon, and dares 

 not moye from the place he occupies, for fear he would 

 fall to the ground. In connection with all this disturb- 

 ance, the horse sweats profusely, and blows or breathes 

 excitedly; no heat in the feet, as in founder. It will be 

 well to remember this, in forming a correct opinion of 

 the case. In severe cases, the whole of the muscles of 

 the body are set to quivering, clearly indicating inflam- 

 matory rheumatism in full force and degree. 



Causes. — Sudden check to perspiration, by placing 

 heated horses in a current or draught of cold air, thus 

 preventing the transudation through the skin of its formed 

 and natural secretion, and is absorbed into the blood, and 

 acts as a poison, which produces inflammation in the 

 sheaths of the tendons, and of the fibrous parts or tissue. 



Treatment. — The treatment of acute rheumatism is 

 sometimes unsatisfactory; not that it is incurable, bht 

 from the fact that the medicines which cure one will not 

 do so in other cases. 



Give 25 drops of the tincture of aconite root, every 

 four hours, till six doses are given. Place the horse in a 

 cool, airy place, with plenty of bedding under him, so as 

 to induce him to lie down, and lightly cover the body, 

 and apply cold water swabs or loose cloths to the legs, 

 and keep them continually wet from twelve to twenty- 

 four hours. In winter, warm water will answer best. 

 By the time the six doses of aconite have been taken, a 

 great change for the better will have taken place; so 

 much so, that, in many cases, the horse may be left to na- 

 ture to complete the cure. But, on the other hand, * 

 should the disease take a chronic form, give drachm doses 

 of the powdered meadow safiron seeds twice in the day, 



