RHEUMATISM. 186 



having no heat in the feet, as in founder. It will be well 

 to remember this, in forming a correct opinion of the case. 

 In severe cases, the whole of the muscles of the body are 

 set to quivering, clearly indicating inflammatory rheuma- 

 tism in full force and degree. 



Causes. Sudden check to perspiration, by placing healed 

 horses in a current or draught of cold air, thus preventing 

 the transudation through the skin of its formed and natural 

 secretion, which being absorbed by the blood, and acting 

 as a poison, produces inflammation in the sheaths of the 

 tendons, and of the fibrous parts or tissue. 



Treatment. The treatment of acute rheumatism is some- 

 times unsatisfactory ; not that it is incurable, but from the 

 fact that the medicines which frequently cure one will not 

 cure other cases. 



Give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root 

 every four hours, till six doses are given. Place the horse 

 in a cool, airy place, with plenty of bedding under him, so 

 as to induce him to lie down ; then lightly cover the body, 

 and apply cold water swabs or loose cloths to the legs, 

 keeping them continually wet, from twelve to twenty-four 

 hours. In winter, warm water will answer best. By the 

 time the six doses of aconite have been taken, a great 

 change for the better will have taken place ; so much so, 

 that, in many cases, the horse may be left to nature to 

 complete the cure. But, on the other hand, should the 

 disease take a chronic form, give drachm doses of the pow- 

 dered meadow saffron seeds twice in the day, and occasional 

 doses of sixty drops of sulphuric acid in half a bucket of 

 cold water. Half ounce doses of the sulphite of soda may 

 be given as an alkali. Do not bleed or purge. 



(2.) Chronic Eheumatism. — I have no hesitation in 

 taying that chronic rheumatism in a joint is one of the 



