284 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



tliat are obliterated, not being those of motion, are not important, so 

 that the animal suffers no ine(m\enience in their loss. 



RHEUMATISM. 



Rheumatism is a constitutional disease from a specific condition 

 of the blood and chaiacterized by inflammation of the fibrous struc- 

 tures of the body. It is usually accompanied -R-ith stiffness, lameness, 

 and fever. The parts affected are usually swollen, but swelling may 

 be lacking. The inflammation may be transitory; that is, it changes 

 from place to place. The parts usually affected are the fibrous struc- 

 tures of the joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The serous 

 membranes and heart may also be affected. According to its loca- 

 tion, rheumatism is specified as articular or muscular. According 

 to its course, it is designated as acute or chronic. 



L 'ause. — Among the factors which are actively causative of rhemna- 

 tism may be mentioned exposure to dampness and cold, especially 

 while the animal is perspiring or fatigued after severe physical exer- 

 tion. Among other causes often mentioned are acidity of the blood, 

 nervous derangement, microbes, and injuries. It occasionally follows 

 another disease, such as jDleurisy. The influence of age and heredity 

 may be considered as secondary or predisposing causes. Sometimes 

 the disease appears without any apparent cause. On the whole, it 

 may be said that any of the above-mentioned factors may have more 

 or less influence on the production of rheumatism, but the specific 

 cause is as yet unknown. 



Symi>toms of articular rheunuifisni. — The symptoms appear sud- 

 denly and M'itli varying degrees of severity. The animal presents a 

 downcast appearance, with staring coat, horns and ears cold, and the 

 mouth and muzzle hot and dvj. Appetite and rumination may be 

 impaired and followed later or lie act'ompanied at the same time by 

 constipation. Constipation may be followed by impaction of the 

 stomaidi or bowels. Thirst is increased, but the amount of urine 

 voided is scanty. Respiration and pulse are accelerated, and there is 

 usually a fever, rising sometimes as high as IDS^ F. The animal pre- 

 fers to lie down, and when forced to rise stands Avith its back arched. 

 The nidvements are stiff' and lame and cause great pain. The disease 

 may attack one or more joints at the same time; in fact, it is often 

 .symmetrical. One joint may im})rove while another becomes af- 

 fected, thus showing the shifting tendency of the inflammation. The 

 affected joints, including their tendons, ligaments, and synovial mem- 

 branes, may be swollen, hot, and distended with liquid. Thev are 

 very tender, and, if treated carelessly or injured, may become in- 

 fected, thus leading ti> suppuration. While rheumatism attacks per- 

 haps more frequently the knees and fetlocks, it has no special affinity 



