312 RHEUMATISM. 
in the preceding article. Keep the horse liberally so soon as the pulse 
becomes quiet, and do not allow it to leave bondage till the tread is 
firm; as exercise is endured, work may be very gradually resumed. 
Remember, the above is proposed only as a last experiment; the 
design is to change the ulcerative action to one of a secretive character, 
and thereby promote union of the diseased bones. A trial of this kind 
has never been instituted ; but, certainly, judging from the result of a 
similar operation upon the human subject, there are the best grounds for 
anticipating good effects. That it may be known where to make the 
puncture, a drawing made from the bones of a diseased hock is inserted 
on page 311; the darker line marks the place where the ulcerated sur- 
faces existed, and into which the fluid should be injected. This, how- 
ever, is so nice an operation that, although unattended with any imme- 
diate danger, none but a skilled anatomist should undertake it. In 
proper and judicious hands it is perhaps as safe, and more likely to be 
accompanied with benefit than the great majority of veterinary remedies. 
RHEUMATISM. 
This form of disease in the horse is commonly known as following 
more serious affections. After influenza it is very frequent; it is not 
rare as coming in the train of thoracic disorders; most important organs, 
being acutely affected, will leave it behind them. On rare occasions it 
may appear without any forerunner. 
Its advent is announced by swelling about the joints, accompanied by 
the most painful lameness; the animal may not dare to put its foot to 
the ground. Often the disease flies about, now seizing upon one or two 
joints, next attacking the hitherto free members, and generally clinging 
to similar parts, as the hocks, knees, etc. Then it will return to its 
former abode—thus shifting about, to the torture cf the animal and the 
confusion of him who may undertake its relief. 
One almost constant symptom is an increase of synovia. For synovial 
membrane, whether in the sheaths of tendons or on the heads of bones, 
rheumatism always displays a marked partiality. This structure is, as 
has been already noticed, without sensation during health; in disease, 
however, its involvement communicates extreme agony. The afflicted 
horse stands with difficulty ; its pulse and its breathing declare its suf- 
ferings—both are quick and jerking; the limbs may be greatly swollen; 
and the parts secreting joint-oil bulged out, soft, and puffy, from the 
increase of their contents. 
No disease is accompanied with such long and extreme pain as rheu- 
matism; the remedies, therefore, should be quick and effective. Procure 
