American Veterinary Review, 
AUGUST, 1*^7 7* 
ORIGINAL ARTICLES. 
PERIOSTITIS. 
By A. A. Holcombe, D. V. S., N. Y. 
Inflammation of the periosteum is a disease of more frequent oc¬ 
currence in cities than in country districts, and the fact is due to the 
kind of work performed, the character of the roads, and the continual 
exposure to contusions. Elorses doing rapid track-work are liable to 
this disease, from the constant concussion to which the bones of the 
limbs are subjected, and more especially is this true of young horses, 
whose bones are not completely developed. Periostitis is either acute 
or chronic in character, the latter form occurring much more frequently 
than the former. When speaking of the periosteum, it is not customary 
to include that loose layer of cellular tissue, rich in cells, lying upon the 
periosteum proper, and containing an intimate network of blood-vessels; 
yet it is this outer layer of the periosteum which is the most frequent 
seat of primary inflammations, the deeper parts being less inclined to 
disease from the tendinous character of the tissue, and the scarcity of 
cells and vessels. 
From the intimate relations existing between the articular capsule 
and the periosteum, the diseases of one readily passes to the other, so 
that there is often noted an intimate connection of the two. 
Inflammation of the periosteum, begins with a high fever, and fre¬ 
quently is ushered in with a chill. The part affected is very painful and 
soon swells, the skin becoming tense and usually edematous. The affected 
limb is pointed or held up, every touch or jar seeming to cause intense 
pain. It is not difficult to diagnosticate this disease when the above 
symptoms are present, if we remember that idiopathic inflammation of 
