MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM 365 



ity of the joints. Complications may also follow, such as 

 endocarditis or inflammation of other serous membranes. 



Treatment.— Treatment in small animals is often satis- 

 factory by the use of large doses of sodium salicylate (1.0 to 

 2.0 daily). After two to three 4ays the temperature falls 

 almost to normal and the general condition will improve. 

 Other preparations have been recommended, as salicylic 

 acid (intravenously), salol, or acetanilid. Local applications 

 to the joints will assist in giving relief from the pain, and in 

 the absorption of the deposits. Iodin liniments, camphor 

 oil, or mercuric iodid ointment, any one of which may be 

 applied alternately with hot water applications. The 

 animal should be placed in a moderately warm room, where 

 it is quiet, and provided with a soft bed. In the chronic 

 form massage the joints thoroughly daily with Lugol's 

 ointment. 



MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM. 



Definition.- A primary affection of the muscles (myositis) 

 probably of infectious origin. It occurs commonly in dogs. 

 Owing' to the fact that it is very difficult to make a distinction 

 between muscular rheumatism and so-called "soreness" and 

 " stiffness" of the muscles, they are usually classed as muscu- 

 lar rheumatism. The number of cases of muscular rheu- 

 matism would no doubt be decreased if a careful examination 

 were made in all cases and a more accurate diagnosis estab- 

 lished. There has been a tendency no doubt to use the term 

 muscular rheumatism in a too inclusive sense. 



Etiology.— The immediate cause of muscular rheumatism 

 is probably an infection, the nature of which has not been 

 determined up to the present time. Several factors have to 

 do with the development of the disease: (a) Damp, cold 

 ■ kennels, and exposure to cold have proved decided factors 

 in bringing on the attacks. Very commonly observed in 

 hunting dogs following their exposure on hunting trips. This 

 is especially true in those animals that have been pampered 

 and kept in warm buildings and quarters, (b) Ptomain 

 poisoning and intoxication from toxins absorbed from the 

 intestinal tract will also produce it. (c) Certain infectious 



