THE HORSE—GENERAL DISEASES AND INJURIES. 1938 
accord. The steaming-bag is also useful (see cut 186). It may be best to 
aid the formation of matter between the jaws if the swelling has advanced 
considerably. To do this, bind ona poultice. When the swelling has fully 
pointed or “ gathered,” open it and let the matter escape. It is of the utmost 
importance that the strength be sustained by tonics and an abundant supply 
of soft, nourishing food and pure air. If hot mashes are fed from a close 
nose-basket hung on the head, the steam will afford much relief, while the 
food does as much good as if otherwise taken. Other disorders are liable to 
set in along with strangles, and they should be treated as directed. 
RHEUMATISM. 
This is an inflammation which shifts from one part to another, with 
sudden, painful attacks, and usually affects the limbs, chest, and loins. 
When the sides and heart become affected, recovery is more doubtful. It 
usually results from neglect, the animal being exposed to cold and wet, or 
standing in water when warm. Bad food or whatever lowers the vitality 
will produce it. It becomes chronic after repeated attacks, and then the 
swelling of the parts becomes permanent. 
Symptoms.—Shivering at first; then the mouth and skin are hot, 
followed by marked stiffness and pain. If the shoulder be affected, the 
horse rests the toe frequently on the ground; if the loins, the back is raised 
and the belly drawn up. Swelling and heat of the joints and tendons of 
the limbs ensue, especially about the fetlock; usually fever; furred tongue; 
pulse seventy to eighty, but variable; sour saliva; active bowels; heaving 
in the flanks; short, rapid breathing; free, acid sweats; warm skin and legs. 
In a disease of the foot, with which rheumatism of the shoulders is often 
confused, there is a difficulty in putting the foot to the ground, while in 
the latter there is difficulty in Zifting the foot. When the trouble shifts 
rapidly from part to part, it is called « flying lameness.” 
TREATMENT.—Aconite is needed for shivering; fever; local inflamma- 
tion, tenderness and swelling; hot mouth and skin; sweats on parts of the 
body; full, rapid pulse; high-colored urine; impaired appetite. This 
remedy is especially efficacious if there is danger that the rheumatism will 
shift to the heart, in which case ten drops should be given every hour for 
several doses, The following conditions call for bryonia: acute attacks, 
especially in the legs, shoulders and side; reluctance to move; pain aggra- 
vated by motion; full, frequent pulse; short respiration; loss of appetite ; 
thirst; costiveness, with dry passage; high-colored urine. It is particularly 
useful for attacks induced by changes in the weather, by wind or dry, cold 
air, and it is one of the best general remedies for rheumatism. It may 
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