362 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



The joint is swollen, extremely sensitive, and fluctuates in places. 

 Finally, the pus discharges by one or several fistulous tracts. 



Treatment. In acute rheumatic arthritis the internal admin- 

 istration of alkalies and salicylates is indicated. Pending recovery 

 absolute rest should be enjoined. The long-standing chronic form 

 of the disease is incurable, but the symptoms can be somewhat 

 mitigated by tonic treatment. Massage is also helpful. Excessive 

 synovial effusions which do not tend to be resorbed may be as- 

 pirated with antiseptic care. Purulent accumulations must be 

 promptly removed, the procedure comprising free incision in two 

 or more situations, antiseptic irrigation with corrosive sublimate 

 solution (1:1000) morning and evening, drainage, antiseptic dress- 

 ing and immobilization. 



Osteo-Arthritis. Arthritis Deformans. Differing from chronic 

 rheumatic arthritis in extensive alteration in the joint structures, 

 osteo-arthritis is a disease more commonly observed in members 

 of the larger breeds particularly those which have been used for 

 draught purposes. The pathologic changes are disposed to be sym- 

 metric and consist in destruction of the articular cartilages and 

 increase in length and thickness of the periphery of the bone by 

 ossific deposit. In advanced cases the tendons about the joints 

 ossify. The cause is obscure but the disease is probably due to some 

 form of malnutrition of nervous origin. The articulations usually 

 affected are those of the knee, elbow, and stifle. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Osteo-arthritis has a very slow evo- 

 lution. As the deformity of the joints develops, lameness, rigidity, 

 and articular crepitus appear. 



Treatment. The disease being incurable, no treatment is of 

 any avail, but the general health may be maintained by tonics. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 



Cadlot— Bull, de la Soe. Cent, de MM. V6t6r. 1895. 

 Carougeau — Eec. de MM. V6t6r. Nov., 1899. 

 Hertwlg — Chirnrgle f. Thieraerzte. 

 StockSetb — Handbucb der thleraentl. Cblrurgle. 



