Secondary rheumatism is a systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue that affects any internal organs, developing in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (or other forms of rheumatoid arthritis), and occurring with multiple synovitis. Characteristic signs of the disease: lameness, intense joint pain, myalgia, low-grade fever. Factors that contribute to the development of secondary rheumatism include hypothermia, poor circulation, malnutrition, chronic infections, stress, intoxication and limb injuries, smoking, chronic intoxication (alcohol, drugs, lead.