SYMPTOMS OF ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM IN THE DOG.
Articular rheumatism rare. Femoro-tibial joints, bilateral, remissions. Exudation, swelling of joint; muscular atrophy, weakness, swaying, staggering, falling, paresis. Chronic, muscular rheumatism common, back, loins, neck, general, stiff, painful movement, decubitus, muscles tender, yelps, stiff neck, wry-neck. Masseteric. Painful defecation and urination. Metastasis. Cardiac symptoms. Pleurodynia. Digestive troubles. Emaciation, weakness, atony, paraplegia. Diagnosis from strongylus, stephanurus, and cysticercus.
This affection seems to be rare in the dog. What is known as rheumatism in this animal, consists in an inflammation with hyperplasia around the articular ends of the long bones, the new material being partly fibrous and partly calcified. It shows a special predilection for the femoro-tibial and confines itself mainly to the inner side of the head of the tibia. Here the swelling may reach the size of a walnut, The whole head of the tibia and lower end of the femur are however often involved, entailing a general enlargement of the joint. It follows the general rule of rheumatism in usually attacking both stifle joints at once, and also in alternate ameliorations and relapses. Less frequently other joints are affected. In all such cases the joints become overdistended and swollen, partly by synovia, and partly by surrounding exudate, the muscles of the quarter and thigh become atonic, soft and flaccid, and are steadily atrophied. The dog shows a lack of strength in the hind parts, swaying, staggering or even falling, and advancing to a marked paresis. The malady follows a chronic course, lasting for months, a year, or more.