Rheumatism not infrequently attacks dogs and manifests itself in much the same manner in them as in man. The disease may take on an acute or chronic form; the same morbid principle is supposed to give rise to both, but in the latter it is present in a lesser degree.

Causation

The causes of rheumatism have never been fully determined. It has been commonly attributed to exposure to cold and damp; influenced largely by the seasons of the year, etc. That these agencies alone are incapable of producing the disease is generally accepted. A morbid peculiarity of the constitution, a special predisposition seems to be requisite for the causation. When this susceptibility to the disease exists then exposure doubtless acts as an exciting cause.

Symptoms

In acute rheumatism fever is always present, the skin is hot, the appetite lessened, the thirst great, the pulse rapid, the animal restless, movements difficult and painful. The tongue is generally coated, the breath offensive, the respiration quickened, and constipation more often exists.

The essentiality of the disease consists in a swelling of the various Joints. Touching, and still more the movements of the affected parts are extremely painful, and the animal with an expression of the utmost anxiety, will guard over and seem to protest against an examination. The affected parts are hot and swollen. Rarely are several joints attacked at the same time; usually the disease partially runs its course in one before another is involved.

When recovery takes place the swellings of the joints disappear without leaving any traces of the disease behind them; in some instances a slight weakness and painfulness will for a time linger as an evidence of the previous existence of the malady.

Treatment

To place an animal suffering from the disease in warm, dry quarters, is the first important step to take. The painful joints should be enveloped in cotton batting; the bowels opened by the syrup of buckthorn; a bland unstimulating diet allowed, and the following given. -

℞ Sodii Salicylatis ℥ ij Aquae ℥ ij.

Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose one teaspoonful.

This mixture should be administered every two hours, in a little milk, until improvement is observed, then at longer intervals to complete recovery. The tendency of the disease to relapse should not be forgotten, and during the convalescent stage exposure should be carefully guarded against.

Chronic Rheumatism

Chronic Rheumatism rarely follows as a result of the acute form. The general symptoms are stiffness, some pain of no great intensity, tenderness comparatively slight, swelling of the joints, little or no fever. The constitutional disturbance is trifling if any, the appetite remains good, the different functions of the body are nearly normal, and nutrition is unaffected. Radical changes in the weather are generally followed by more acute symptoms in the affected joints.

Local treatment in chronic rheumatism is important, and benefit may be anticipated from the use of the tincture of iodine or blistering the joints involved. Measures having reference to improving the general health and the tone of the system are essential, and embrace tonic remedies, nutritious diet, exercise, etc.

The iodide of potassium is a valuable remedy in many cases, and may be given in three or four grain doses, two or three times daily. If an iron tonic is indicated the syrup of the iodide can be substituted; dose fifteen drops three times a day with the food.