bones: diseases and accidents. 293 



Sym])toms of Trmscular rheumatism, — This form of rheumatism 

 may appear under the same general conditions as the articular form. 

 The general appearance of the animal is the same in both forms. The 

 cow usually assumes a recumbent position, and all the movements 

 made are stiff and lame. The method of rising or of locomotion indi- 

 cates pain in certain muscles or grou}>s of muscles, as of the croup, 

 shoulder, or ne<?k. As in the case of articular rheumatism, the 

 tendons, ligaments, and synovial membranes may become involved. 

 The constitutional sjonptoms in both articular and muscular rheuma- 

 tism are similar, so that it is often perplexing to differentiate be- 

 tween the two forms. 



Prevention. — It is somewhat difficult to procure jDreventive treat- 

 ment for cattle, especially when there are large numbers with little 

 or no shelter. In general it is advisable to protect the animals so far 

 as possible from inclement weather conditions, such as cold rains, 

 hea\y dews, and frosts. This is more particularly necessary for ani- 

 mals in poor condition, or those which are perspiring or fatigued 

 after long physical exertion. Careful feeding is also essential. 



Treatment. — In attempting to treat ciittle for rheumatism the first 

 step is to procure proper shelter and environment. The animal 

 should be quartered in a large, clean, drv stall with plenty of light 

 and fresh air, but protected from strong drafts. There should be an 

 abundance of clean, dry l)edding. The food should be soft and easily 

 digestible and slightly laxative, and the animal should have ac^-ess to 

 clean, pure, cool water. 



For general or constitutional treatment of acute rheunuitism, 

 sodium salicylate is indicated. In order to gain the best results from 

 this drug, it should be administered with the idea of rapidly saturat- 

 ing the system. To cattle it nuiy be given in doses of one-half ounce 

 every two hours for ten houi-s or until immediate relief is obtained. 

 This dnig should not be continued indefinitely, but may be given 

 once a day after immediate relief has been obtained, and this single 

 dose continued daily until permanent relief ensues, when it should 

 be stopped. The use of sodium salicylate in chronic rheumatism is 

 not advisable on account of the danger of depressing the heart, whose 

 action is already somewhat impaired by the lesions which have at- 

 tacked it. In this case one-half ounce doses of potassium nitrate or 

 bicarbonate may be given three times a day. Besides the constitu- 

 tional treatment, it may be necessary to give special attention to the 

 bowels in order to relieve constipation. Cattle may be given saline 

 laxatives at the outset, such as 1 pound of Epsom salt for an ordi- 

 nary-sized cow, and the bowels kept regidar by an occasional smaller 

 dose. 



In chronic rheumatism the best course of treatment is to give tonics 

 and local treatment. Local treatment may also be advisable in acute 



