ACUTE RHEUMATISM IN A HORSE. 93 
I will forward at a future day. In the meantime I transmit a case 
of acute rheumatism. 
This case of acute rheumatism is not inserted on account of 
the rarity of that disease, but more to shew the beneficial re- 
sults of locally applying the stimulus of salt, in the form of concen- 
trated brine, as obtained from the subterraneous caverns that 
abound in this neighbourhood ; for in this vicinity the salt rock is 
obtained in great abundance, and, as most of your readers are 
aware, forms a considerable article in commerce. 
The subject of this case was a fine draught horse, working at a 
country mill in this vicinity ; but, from arrangements of the owner, 
it was requisite that his horses should draw timber occasionally, 
which exposed them to the vicissitudes of the atmosphere, and 
often during profuse perspiration, as most in the profession are 
aware. During the wet and damp of November last, this horse, 
with others, had been more than usually exposed to the inclemency 
of the weather at that time. While occupied in drawing timber 
through some of those long and heavy journeys which often fall 
to the lot of a timber-carrier’s team, there can be no doubt the sud- 
den changes to which they are liable are often, if not always, the 
cause of this malady. 
The horse which I have in view returned from a long and la- 
borious journey on the 15th of November last, when every kind 
and proper attendance was paid to him by his waggoner, who left 
him that evening to all appearance in good health. 
On the following day, the 16th, he was worked a short time 
about home, had his regular diet, and in the evening appeared in 
perfect health; but on the following morning, the 17th, he found 
him heaving at the flanks, and, on attempting to move him, was 
no little surprised to find him almost a fixture. He had not eaten 
the whole of his overnight’s feed. 
This was soon made known to the master, who, on seeing him, 
thought it might probably be an old nail left in his foot, which 
was setting up suppuration there, he having had a case of this 
kind not long before; so from this notion he was made to limp to 
the blacksmith’s, on almost three legs, for a removal of the shoe. 
An examination of the foot soon convinced them that the disease 
was not there. Shortly afterwards I was called to him, and found 
him with a strong bounding pulse, accelerated breathing, coat fixed, 
extensive lameness of the near hind leg, with other concomitant 
symptoms of acute rheumatism. 
I immediately bled to the amount of x lbs, and administered a 
brisk cathartic ball. Fomentations of hot brine were applied to 
the lame limb almost every hour. 
VOL. XVII. " N 
