Articular rheumatism seems to be very rare in mature sheep, while it has
been recorded in lambs. Muscular rheumatism on the other hand has been
seen in connection with untimely shearing, exposure to cold storms and
cold, damp folds. The back and loins, are tender to the touch, or in
other cases the neck or hind quarter, the limbs are carried straight and
rigid, the animal moves slowly and stiffly, falls behind the flock, and
is found alone, unthrifty and emaciated. It usually terminates in
recovery though it may cause chronic disease and distortion of the
affected joints or it may even prove fatal. The usual tendency of the
morbid process to shift from joint to joint or to muscles, is here again
characteristic.