General [General]
The distance, which consists in a rheumatic inflammation of the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and the extremities of the bones, mostly of the fore feet, seldom and only in the worst cases the hind feet are attacked, it is most prone to happen in horses that are fed with indigestible and heating food, (especially corn), especially if they have too little exercise. Or it may be caused by continual straining, and then by sudden exposure to cold when overheated; it generally commences with fever, the animal appears drowsy, does not eat, his movements are stiff, dragging his limbs as if with acute pain, so that he scarcely stirs forward, and with greater difficulty goes backward.
REMEDIES: Aconite, Bryonia, Veratrum, Arsenicum, and Rhus toxicodendron.
Aconite [Acon]
Aconite, if there is inflammation, the animal stands as if rooted to one spot, the breathing is hurried and interrupted, the breath is hot, and the pulse accelerated.
Dose. Six drops every one, two or three hours.
Bryonia [Bry]
Bryonia, complete stiffness of the limbs, with swelling of the joints.
Dose. Six drops every two hours.
Veratrum [Verat]
Veratrum, if it is brought on by violent exercise.
Dose. The same as directed for Bryonia.
Arsenicum [Ars]
Arsenicum, if it is caused by bad or heating food, or after a cold drink when overheated.
Dose. The same as directed for Aconite.
Rhus toxicodendron [Rhus-t]
Rhus toxicodendron, if there is much pain in the feet and the animal is very stiff in his movements.
Dose. Six drops or eight globules three times a day; at the same time the limbs may be bathed with a solution of Rhus externally twice a day.
