266 VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



bad stable management, by neglect, and by all other such causes as lower 

 the general health. Eheumatism is also a frequent sequel of any debili- 

 tating disease, especially of chest affections and influenza, or from natural 

 predisposition without apparent cause. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of rheumatic fever are as follows: — Sud- 

 den lameness, with or without swelling of some particular articulation, 

 such as the stifle, hock, or fetlock joints, the flexor tendons, immediately 

 below the knee or hock in the sesamoidean bursa, the thecse of the mus- 

 cles of the loins and quarters, or of those of the thoracic walls, constitut- 

 ing pleurodynia. The lameness may be preceded by some febrile dis- 

 turbance or a malaise condition, expressed by yawning, dulness, or 

 dejection. The lameness often disappears from one part of the body 

 and suddenly reappears in another. Very often the lameness is symmet- 

 rical, that is to say, it will be due to inflammation of the same joints in 

 both legs, say in two stifle or in two hock joints. 



If the attack be severe, or if it be continued, the parts affected will 

 soon become hot and swollen. When a part has been frequently attacked, 

 a chronic swelling generally becomes apparent. 



When rheumatism arises from exposure to cold or wet, it generally 

 affects the loins or shoulders. 



Treatment. — As soon as the diagnosis is made, give the following: 



Salicylic acid, 



Bicarbonate of soda aa 3 i. 



Give as a drink three or four times a day. 



This treatment will usually give immediate relief, and with laxative food 

 will cure in many cases. 



Oil of wintergreen mixed with an equal quantity of olive-oil applied 

 externally to inflamed joints affected by acute rheumatism, sometimes 

 affords instant relief. 



In severe or long-continued attacks, it is advisable to give : 



Bicarbonate of potash, 



Nitrate of potassium, 



Powdered colchicum aa 3 ss. 



If the lameness is persistent after the ordinary means of reducing 

 inflammation have been employed, blisters of : 



Biniodide of mercury z i. 



Lard § viij. 



