Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatism. 561 



hours, there is reason to fear that the case is not one of genuine 

 rheumatism. . 



The salicylates are less applicable to chronic cases and may be 

 even dangerous when the heart is affected, as they tend to render 

 the heart's action slower and weaker, and thus add to the dangers 

 of hypo-hsemoglobin, and heart failure. A similar caution applies 

 to an excessive use of alkalies and especially of compounds of 

 potassium which depress the heart action. 



As substitutes for the salicylates, salol, salophen, phenocoU, 

 antipyrine and acetanilid have been largely resorted to. The first 

 is safe and trustworthy and does not irritate the stomach nor 

 interfere with digestion. It may be given to horse or ox in a 

 dose of 3 drams, thrice a day, to the pig in 10 grain, and to the 

 dog in 5 grain doses. 



Hiibner had good success with pilocarpine hydrochlorate hypo- 

 dermically (4 grains for a 7 months colt,) but this was not equally 

 successful in the hands of Siedamgrotzky. Other sudorifics like 

 tartar emetic, Dover's powder, ammonium acetate, hot or spiced 

 drinks (chamomile, boneset, ) hot baths, hot air baths, and wet 

 packs have been used successfully and may still be employed in 

 suitable cases. The opium is often very helpful in relieving in- 

 tense suffering, and beside or in place of the Dover's powder 

 internally, morphia may be injected subcutem over the affected 

 region. The main objection to its use in its tendency to lock up 

 the liver and bowels. Liquor of the acetate of ammonia fills at 

 once the r&le of a potent diaphoretic, an antacid, and an eliminant. 



In the use of baths and packs it is well to consider the condition 

 of the patient. If the surface is cold with little reaction, and if 

 the attack has supervened on exposure, or chill, persistent hot 

 applications are indicated. Dogs and other small animals should 

 have full hot baths lasting for 15 or 20 minutes, and while in full 

 glow may be quickly sponged with cold water and rubbed dry in 

 blankets, great care being taken to avoid exposure or chill when 

 damp. Or for these and the larger animals as well, a hot air or 

 steam bath may be applied under similar precautions. A cold 

 wet wrapping on the cranium will tend to relieve cerebral conges- 

 tion during the administration of the hot bath. In horses and 

 cattle, surface heat and sudation maybe secured by active rubbing 

 with wisps of straw, of both body and limbs, or by covering the 

 36 



