LECTURE XXXIX. 

 LYMPHANGITIS AND HEAVES. 



Definition. — Lymphangitis is an inflammation of various 

 lymphatic tissues. It appears suddenly and is quite painful. 



Cause and history. — This disease usually appears among 

 horses of sluggish temperament, at least these are most susceptible. 

 It almost invariably occurs among horses that are well fed, and 

 after a period of idleness. 



Symptoms. — This disease usually makes its appearance with 

 a chill, followed by fever. The horse is uneasy. A sudden swell- 

 ing appears on the upper portion of the hind limb, on the inside, 

 gradually increasing and extending around the limb and then 

 downward never passing below the hock. The horse is lame, and 

 the affected limb is very sensitive to the touch. The horse per- 

 spires freely ; pulse, respiration and temperature are all increased. 

 The bowels are constipated and the urine is scanty. 



The disease develops for about two days, then maintains its 

 severity for a similar period. This is followed by an abatement 

 of symptoms. Most of the swelling subsides. There usually re- 

 mains some slight thickening, and the disease is apt to recur, each 

 time leaving something of an increased enlargement, until finally 

 there has developed what is known as elephant leg. 



Prevention. — Very greatly reduce the grain ration during the 

 idle period. 



Treatment. — Hot fomentation over the swollen part, to be 

 continued for several hours. Between the periods of fomentation 

 there should be given vigorous friction, rubbing upward, and long 

 continued light exercise — if the horse is able to walk at all. The 

 horse should be kept walking about slowly for several hours at a 

 time. During the first three or four days, and until the active 

 symptoms abate, the food should be light, laxative and later on 

 the horse may be returned to full feed. 



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