Rheumatism may be either acute or chronic.
Although not common in its acute form, the writer has treated dogs that could hardly bear anyone to enter—much less shake—the rooms where they have been kept, the slightest shake causing the dog to howl from the agony of pain so induced.
Under these circumstances, the diagnosis of rheumatism becomes a certainty, much more so than in its chronic condition, when confined to a limb, joint, etc.
The muscles of the chest—Chest-founder—and the neck, are commonly affected.
Stiffness and difficulty in moving—the dog often suddenly howling from pain—are the chief signs. There is not much (if any) swelling in this complaint, as it occurs in the dog.
The shifting character of rheumatism is a great aid to diagnosis.
Treatment.—Keep dog in a dry and warm kennel.
Don't wash, especially in winter.
Give soda water to drink.