RHEUMATISM. 8 1 



Belladonna 3X will occasionally prove to be more appropriate 

 than Aconite in the early stages of acute rheumatism when the 

 following- symptoms predominate: swelling of the joints or 

 other parts red, tense and shining; horse starts every now and 

 again; the eyes staring and bright, and the pupils dilated espe- 

 cially when the starting takes place; this peculiar symptom is 

 probably due to a sharp shock of pain darting through the limb; 

 and the leading indication for Belladonna visible pulsation of large 

 superficial arteries, notably the carotids where exposed. 



Caulophyllnvi ix — Very useful in cases where the disease at- 

 tacks the fetlock joints, and shifts frequently from one leg to 

 another or from the extremities to the loins; especially so with 

 mares that have been pregnant and aborted. 



Ruta graveolens 6x in cases where the knees of the fore legs or 

 the hocks, or either are the principal parts affected more especially 

 when constipation is also present which requires great straining to 

 effect a stool ; further when the parts of the body upon which the 

 horse has been resting are tender and sore to manipulation. 



Among the measures adopted from the nurses' standpoint, the 

 most important are the use of warm clothing; the maintenance of 

 an even, dry temperature in the stable, say 60 degrees F. ; abund- 

 ant facilities for rest and comfort; bedding straw should be cut 

 into short lengths or sawdust a foot deep provided; food to con- 

 sist of light, digestible things, such as milk, oatmeal and bran in 

 €qual proportions; carrots, and if available, artificial grasses, such 

 as clover, lucerne, sainfoin; for drinking purposes gruel made from 

 pearl barley is the best that can be utilized. In the majority of 

 cases the symptoms are aggravated by damp, moist climate, and 

 therefore Rhus tox. is the probable remedy, when this is so, great 

 relief may be afforded and the cure hastened by locally applying 

 •the remedy to the affected legs; a lotion of Rhus tox. 0, one part 

 of same to five of water suffices; take a good piece of tow, 

 thoroughly pull it to pieces, dip it in aforesaid lotion and allow it 

 to soak sufficiently long to become thoroughly impregnated, after 

 which wring it out and apply to the joint or tendons, with a layer 

 of oilskin to enclose and thereafter bound round with a flannel 

 bandage to keep it in apposition with the parts; this may with 

 advantage be removed three times a day; where other remedies 

 are indicated a similar procedure may be adopted or in the place 

 6 



