Part 18 (1/2)

RHEUMATISM.

Rheumatism thrives in cold, damp situations, and in wet, foggy weather.

It is often confined to the membranes of the large joints, and sometimes consists in a deficiency of joint oil, (_synovia._) It is liable to become chronic, and involve the fibro-muscular tissues. Acute rheumatism is known by the pain and swelling in certain parts. Chronic rheumatism is recognized by coldness, rigidity about the muscles, want of vital action, &c.

When lameness, after a careful examination, cannot be accounted for, and is found to go off after exercise, and return again, it is probably rheumatism.

_Treatment of Acute Rheumatism._--Bathe the parts with an infusion of arnica flowers, made thus:--

Arnica flowers, 4 ounces.

Boiling water, 3 quarts.

When sufficiently cool, it is fit for use.

Give the following:--

Sulphur, 2 ounces.

Cream of tartar, 3 ounces.

Powdered pleurisy root, 1 ounce.

” licorice, 2 ounces.

Indian meal, 1 pound.

Mix. Give a table-spoonful three times a day in the feed. A light diet and rest are indispensable.

_Treatment of Chronic Rheumatism._--Put the animal on a generous diet, and give an occasional spoonful of golden seal or balmony in the food, and a drink of sa.s.safras tea. The parts may be rubbed with stimulating liniment, for which, see APPENDIX.

BLAIN.

Some veterinary writers describe this disease as ”a watery tumor, growing at the root of the tongue, and threatening suffocation. The first symptoms are foaming at the mouth, gaping, and lolling out of the tongue.”

The disease first originates in the mucous surfaces, which enter into the mouth, throat, and stomach. It partakes somewhat of the character of thrush, and requires nearly the same treatment.

Make an infusion of raspberry leaves, to which add a small quant.i.ty of borax or alum. Wash the mouth and tongue with the same by means of a sponge. If there are any large pustules, open them with the point of a penknife. After cleansing them, sprinkle with powdered bayberry bark, or bloodroot. Rid the system of morbid matter by injection and physic, (which see, in APPENDIX.) The following antiseptic drink will then complete the cure:--

Make a tea of raspberry leaves by steeping two ounces in a quart of boiling water; when cool, strain; then add

Powdered charcoal, 2 ounces.