Veterinary Journal. DEVOTED TO THE DIFFUSION OF VETERINARY KNOWLEDGE. Chronic rheumatism is generally a sequel to the acute, yet if the subject be closely watched a train of phenomena may be observed very similar to those attending the acute stage: yet differing in its gradual accession; obscure state of the phenomena, and less functional and structural changes. At times, chronic rheumatism, is nothing more than a modified and protracted state of the acute stage, it is migratory like the former; attacking this, that, or other tissues, without reference to its original locality. For example, a horse may, after a brisk driving and subsequent exposure, become lame in the region of the fore extremities, this lameness may, perhaps, be defined as subacute, or chronic rheumatism; from the fact that there is noincrease in arterial nor respiratory actions; but, the first thing we observe, is, that the subject is laboring under hypertrophy of the heart, perhaps carditis, or endo-carditis, and this is proof positive of the migratory character of rheumatism. But why should rheumatism attack the heart? This is quite an interesting question, and thus we answer it. The physiology of the heart instructs us that its motions are governed by the impression made upon the susceptible nervous tissues. Its responses are physiological when the whole system is unembarrassed. It is the centre, not only of circulation, but of sympathy, and responds to the impressions made upon the general system, so that if any disturbance shall occur in the animal economy, in the form of fever, spasm, &c., or, the horse be affrighted, punished, or exposed to sudden variations in temperature, the heart is one of the organs first deranged. Rheumatism therefore being migratory is apt, in travelling from tissue to tissue, to locate on a deranged organ, especially when that organ is one so easily excited as the heart. CAUSES OF RHEUMATISM.-The special cause of rheumatism is, hereditary predisposition. In certain families morbid tendencies are transmitted from parents to offspring and display themselves in the developement, of parental defect and deformity. There are, also, general exciting causes, such as exposure after perspiring freely; damp and cold stables, errors in diet, or stable management, over-work, &c. Principal symptoms of chronic rheumatism.—The subject is generally observed to travel a limited, or stiffened gait at first, when taken out of the stable; he appears "stiffened up," as the saying is, yet "limbers up," as he proceeds; this depends, however, somewhat on the temperature of the atmosphere, for the animal is nothing less than a walking barometer, and the slightest alteration in the weather affects him very sensibly. The disease may manifest itself in the diffuse form, affecting the body, as well as the limbs and feet, which gives to the animal a sort of wirey, spare appearance; yet otherwise, he appears well and can play his part at the game of food, as well as any horse. In the absence of all inflammatory symptoms, this peculiar and almost ruined condition is designated, by some, as general founder, and as no one has ever drawn a line of demarcation between what is known to medical men as chronic rheumatism, and what the rest part of the world denominate chronic founder, we shall consider that chronic rheumatism is founder and vice versa. Passing from the diffuse form this chronic affection may locate in the muscles of the trunk; then, it gets the name of "body founder," the animal is then unabled to move the body in lateral directions, without showing an awkward stiffness, and on being made to turn a corner, when going at a smart gait, a stiffness, apparently in the spinal regions, is generally perceived. At times it locates in the pectoral region, and in consequence of either long continued pain, (which is known to exhaust muscular rotundity,) or innutrition, the parts present a shrunken or hollow aspect. In the absence of acute symptoms this is the veritable "chest founder." A disease of this character long confined to one or both shoulders is often followed by a similar wasting of the spinatus muscles and is often termed "sweeney," the same condition of parts, however, may be the consequence of diseased feet, for we often observe an atrophy or wasting of the above muscles in animals that have long been the subjects of chronie laminitis, and altered structures about the feet. The term founder is often applied to a ruined state of these parts. Chronic rheumatism is more apt to localize itself than the acute kind, and once located it is not so easily removed although the animal may receive benefit from the ordinary means, such as warm clothing, and stimulating embrocations, yet, when exposed to wet or cold he again relapses into his former condition, travelling stiff, and lame as ever. The stiffness, and lameness if there be any, attending chronic rheumatism, disappears to a certain extent after a brisk trot, whereas, acute rheumatism is generally aggravated by exercise. Chronic rheumatism may, however, appear in one spot to-day, and to-morrow manifest itself in another, yet the affected parts exhibit none of the heat nor tenderness, difficult respiration, wirey pulse, nor functional disturbance which attends the acute stage, so that the difference between the acute and chronic conditions of this affection is very marked. TREATMENT OF CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.-Local Treatment, consists in the application of vapor, warm blankets and leggings, and stimulating liniments, the patient to be located in a warm, yet, ventilated stable. The following is probably one of the best local applications : Dissolve the oil of cedar, in the sulphuric æther; then dissolve the camphor first and soap afterwards, in the proof spirit, and mix. Apply a portion of the above to the affected parts, night and morning, so long as the case seems to require it. CONSTITUTIONAL TREATMENT.-The constitutional remedies, are various, those entitled to our greatest confidence are First-Medicines which act upon the cutaneous vessels. Secondly-Medicines recognised as pure tonics, which impart tone and activity to organs without inducing subsequent prostration. Thirdly-Medicines known as general stimulants that excite without depression. As an example of the above we give the following formulæ :Thayer's fluid extract of Black Cohosh, diaphoretic, 66 2 ounces. 2 ounces. gentian, pure tonic, 1 ounce. 4 ounces. Syrup of garlic, antispasmodic, Mix. One fourth of this mixture may be given night and morning in the form of drench. Other medicines are in high repute such, for example, as hydriodate of potassa, nitrate of potassa, phosphate of ammonia, camphor, aconite, capsicum, &c., &c. |