Lameness of the Horse | Page 9

self-nurse, and in a general
way more apt to recover than is the adult, under similar conditions.
Rheumatic arthritis, if one is justified in classifying rheumatic
inflammation of joints as a metastatic form of arthritis, is not a
common condition, though seen in mature and aged animals. Cases that
may be diagnosed with certainty are usually advanced affections
wherein dependable history is obtainable and the symptoms are well
marked.
Rheumatism may be thought of, with respect to arthritic inflammation
caused thereby, as a sort of pyemia. Undoubtedly, exposure to wet and
cold weather is an active factor, but probably a predisposing one only.
Likewise a member that suffers from chronic inflammation due to
recurrent injury or to constant or repeated strain is less able to resist the
vicissitudes of climate and work.
Consequently, rheumatic arthritis is to be seen affecting horses that are
in service, more often at heavy draft work where they are exposed to
severe straining of joints; where stabling is insanitary; and where they
are obliged to lie down (if they do not remain standing) upon cold and
wet ground or upon hard unbedded floors or paving.
Where such inhumane and cruel treatment is given animals those

responsible ought to be impressed with the unfairness to the animal as
well as the economic loss occasioned by inflicting such unnecessary
and merciless treatment upon their helpless and uncomplaining subjects.
The very nature of the veterinarian's work affords him constant and
frequent opportunity to convince those who are responsible for keeping
animals in this manner, that it is inhumane and unprofitable.
Cases of this kind are not uncommon about some grading and
lumbering camps and in contract work where, often, shelter for animals
is given little thought; the result is a cruel waste of horseflesh.
Chronic articular rheumatism is occasionally observed in young
animals that have never been in service. In these cases it seems that
there exists an individual susceptibility and in some instances the
condition is recurrent. Each attack is of longer duration, and eventually
death results from continued suffering, emaciation and intoxication.
AFFECTIONS OF BURSAE AND THECAE.
Acute bursitis and thecitis is of frequent occurrence in horses because
of direct injury from contusion, punctures and other forms of
traumatism. These synovial membranes, with few exceptions, when
inflamed occasion a synovitis that may be very acute, yet there is less
manifestation of pain than in arthritis.
It is only in structures such as the bursa intertubercularis or in the
sheath of the deep digital flexor that an inflammation causes much pain
and is apt to result in permanent lameness. This is due to the peculiar
character of the function of such structures.
An acute inflammation of a small bursa may even result in the
destruction of such synovial apparatus without serious inconvenience to
the subject, either at the time of destruction or thereafter. Obliteration
of the superficial bursa over the summit of the os calcis is not likely to
cause serious inconvenience or distress to the subject unless it be due to
an infected wound. Even then, with reasonably good care given the
animal, recovery is almost certain. Complete return of function of the
member and cessation of lameness takes place within a few weeks in

the average case.
Where an infectious synovitis involves a structure such as the sheath of
the tendon of the deep digital flexor (perforans) the condition is grave
and because of the location of this theca the prognosis is not much
more favorable than in an articular synovitis.
Inflammation of bursae and thecae may be classified on a chronological
basis with propriety because the duration of such affections, in many
cases, materially modifies the result. A chronic inflammatory
involvement of a theca through which an important tendon plays may
cause adhesions to form. Or there may occur erosions of the parts with
eventual hypertrophy and loss of function, partial or complete.
However, in general practice a classification on an etiological basis is
probably more practical and we shall consider inflammation of bursae
and thecae as infectious and noninfectious.
Infectious bursitis and thecitis is usually the result of direct introduction
of septic material into the synovial structure by means of injuries.
Infection by contiguous extension occurs and also metastatic
involvement is met with occasionally.
The noninfectious inflammation of bursae and thecae usually result
from contusions or strains and generally run their course without
becoming infective in character, where vitality and resistance of the
subject are normal.
In a general way, inflammation and other affections of bursae and
thecae are considered very similar to like affections of joints.
AFFECTIONS OF MUSCLES AND TENDONS.
Muscles and tendons having to do with locomotion are more frequently
injured than are any of the other structures whose function is to propel
the body or sustain weight. This is due in