LYMPHANGITIS.
—An inflammation of the lymphatics, usually of the hind legs. Hence the name “big legs.” It is the result of too rich feeding, and too little work in many cases on the one hand, or of overwork and insufficient food on the other. Lymphangitis often follows other diseases like distemper, influenza, or pneumonia, in which cases the system is weakened and the lymphatics in abnormal condition. It shows itself after a short period of idleness and rest. It usually begins with a chill and a rise of temperature, which may be as much as 105 degrees, depending on the intensity of the attack. One or both hind legs may show swelling and be so stiff and sore after standing during the night as to be moved only with difficulty when the horse is taken out of the stable in the morning. The horse in moving seems able to bear little or no weight on the affected leg. At the same time, the pulse is full and throbby, respiration is fast, the bowels are constipated and the appetite is lost.
In some cases the legs swell to an enormous size. If the inflammation is not relieved in a few days, the glands get badly diseased and blood poison may result. The disease, however, if taken in time, is easily treated. If it is caused by overfeeding, change this; give more exercise. When the disease is first noticed, give the horse 4 tablespoonfuls of aloes, 4 tablespoonfuls of carbonate of soda and 4 tablespoonfuls of ginger. These should be dissolved in a half pint of boiling water, then mixed with a half pint of cold water, and then given as a drench. If the pulse is fast, it may be made easier and slower by giving 20 to 30 drops of tincture of aconite, every couple of hours. A couple of tablespoonfuls of nitrate of potash in the drinking water three times a day will increase the urine. This is desirable to do in this disease. The leg should be bathed for at least a half an hour and then dried and a wash consisting of 2 tablespoonfuls of acetate of lead, 8 tablespoonfuls of tincture of opium, and a quart of water should be applied to the legs. This should be rubbed in well with the hand every hour. In from 20 to 30 hours, a great change for the better will be noticed the inflammation will have been reduced; the pain will have disappeared and the bowels will be loose and active.
From now on give general exercise at frequent periods, during the day. In cases caused by overwork or too little food or those following debilitating diseases, like influenza or distemper, the treatment should be more stimulating; therefore, nutritive foods and tonics are best. Good hay and oats and other feed of a laxative nature should be furnished.
A preparation, consisting of 4 tablespoonfuls, each, of tincture chloride of iron, tincture of gentian, and ginger in a pint of water three times a day will be found both stimulating and nourishing. If the disease has progressed so far that the legs break and show that matter is formed, wash them with warm water and follow with acetate of lead, sulphate of iron and carbolic acid. Use 2 tablespoonfuls of each in a quart of water and apply twice each day. If the swelling hangs on use Fowler’s solution of arsenic, 4 tablespoonfuls to a dose in a bran mash once a day. Continue this for four or five weeks. A salve made of 2 teaspoonfuls of iodide and 8 tablespoonfuls of vaseline should also be rubbed on the leg twice a week.