390 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



no affection so liable to return as this ; consequently, 

 although the horse may appear sound, it will be very 

 dangerous to put him to immediate work." 



SHOULDER LAMENESS — RHEUMATISM. 



To this head we have preferred to refer Rheumatism, a 

 disease which many writers have denied as existent in 

 the horse. Its presence, however, in the muscles of the 

 shoulder, and occasionally of the loins, is too often recognis- 

 able not to place its existence beyond doubt, if not beyond 

 controversy. 



Of acute rheumatism, well-marked cases are occasionally 

 encountered, which are traceable to the effects of cold or 

 moisture. The leading characters are alike in all, the 

 attack being ushered in by universal stiffness, but more 

 particularly of the fore extremities. Sometimes the case is 

 attended with considerable tumefaction in front of the 

 breast. 



Rheumatism is remarkable for "flying about." Some- 

 times it attacks one or two joints, then another member, 

 shifting from the shoulder to the knees and hocks, and 

 back to the shoulder — these being its favourite points of 

 attack in the horse. 



The Treatinent consists in first decreasing the food to so 

 much only as will support life, and diminish fat. Then give 

 the following ball night and morning until the bowels are 

 freely opened, when it is to be withheld till purging has 

 ceased, and then recommenced : 



In the meantime the swollen parts may be freely 

 fomented with very hot water, and afterwards well rubbed 

 with soap liniment, to every pint of which a quarter of a 

 pint of liquor ammonise has been added. 



Should the above ball not succeed, try the following drink, 

 which, in some cases, is even more effective : 



