Iliac Thrombosis.

This condition is undoubtedly of more frequent occurrence than we are wont to grant when one considers the comparatively small number of cases that are actually recognized in practice.  It does not follow, however, that iliac thrombosis rarely exists.  Probably in the majority of instances there is insufficient obstruction of the lumina of vessels to provoke noticeable inconvenience.  Or, if circulation is hampered to the extent that function is impaired and manifestations are observed by the driver, the subject may be permitted to rest a few days and partial resolution occurs, so that further trouble is not noticeable.

As judged by lesions of the aorta and iliac arteries in dissecting subjects, the conclusion that arteritis and resultant disorders are of rather frequent occurrence, is logical.

Etiology.—­Inflammation of the vessel walls and resultant prolifieration of tissue together with the accumulation of clotted blood becoming organized, serve to obstruct the lumen of the affected artery.  The cause of arteritis is unknown in many instances, but parasitic invasion and contiguous involvement of vessels in some inflammatory injuries are etiological factors.

Symptomatology.—­A characteristic type of lameness signalizes iliac thrombosis and the following brief abstract from a contribution on this subject by Drs. Merillat[45], clearly portrays the chief symptoms: 

[Illustration:  Fig. 48—­Exposure of aorta and its branches, showing location of thrombi in numerous places.  In this case (same as Fig. 49) Dr. L.A. and Dr. Edward Merillat found the cause of the condition to be due to sclerastomiasis.]

The seizures are accompanied with profuse sudation, tremors, dilated nostrils, accelerated respirations and other symptoms of pain and distress, all of which, together with the lameness, disappear as rapidly as they had developed, leaving the animal in an apparently perfect state of health, ready to fall with another attack of precisely the same kind, as soon as enough exercise is forced upon it.  The rectal explorations may reveal a pulseless state of one or more of the iliac arteries and a hardness and enlargement of the aortic quadrifurcation, but sometimes this palpation fails to disclose any perceptible diminution of the blood current of these vessels.  The obturation being incomplete, it may be impossible by palpation to decide that thrombosis really exists.  In this event and, in fact, in all eases, the clinical symptoms are sufficiently characteristic to make a diagnosis without reservation.  It cannot be mistaken for any other disease, once properly investigated.  Any given seizure may easily be mistaken for azoturia, at first, but a better examination soon excludes that disease.

[Illustration:  Fig. 49—­Illustrative of thrombosis of the aorta, iliacs and branches.  Photo by Dr. L.A.  Merillat.]