DISEASES OP ARTICULATIONS 197* 



What becomes of the exudate poured into the joint comity as- 

 the result of a serous arthritis ? 



It is eitter absorbed, or, -when remaining, chronic serous^ 

 arthritis is the consequence. 



Describe chronic serous arthritis. 



It is either found in joints predisposed to it by heredity 

 (the joint is of a sluggish disposition and limited assaults affect 

 it readily), or the sequel of an acute serous arthritis. This condi- 

 tion, also termed galls, is common in the hock, stifle and f etloct 

 joints of colts. As a rule, this condition does not interfere- 

 with locomotion ; the symptoms of an acute serous arthritis 

 are present minus painful states and increased heat about tho' 

 affected joint. 



How do you treat acute serous arthritis ? 



Rest is essential. In the earlier stages cold applications,, 

 bandaging ; later, a wslttoo. moisture by Priessuitz fomenta- 

 tions, iodine tincture or blisters are indicated. 



How do you treat chronic serous arthritis ? 



Most any treatment is unsatisfactory, as blisters and even, 

 the actual cautery usually give negative results. From time^ 

 to time favorable reports reach us in regard to the treatment 

 of these conditions by incision of the joint with subsequent 

 antiseptic irrigations. Such treatment, while possible and of 

 great value in man, and which, under favorable circumstances, 

 may be used in the smaller animals— as the dog — nevertheless, 

 is, to say the least, a rather hazardous undertaking in the 

 horse by reason of the possibility of a secondary infection^ 

 which is practically an equivalent to a death verdict. 



