124 CLINICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



of medication is a pure illusion. Even rheumatic endocarditis, against 

 which v^'e have drugs of a specific character, always passes through its 

 various phases, and leaves permanent lesions in the endocardium. In 

 a certain number of cases we can diminish the intensity of the inflam- 

 matory process in the endocardium, moderate development of new 

 growths, and consequentl}' reduce the dangers of embolism and of 

 visceral thrombosis ; but that is the full extent of our powers. Even 

 then success is distinctl}' problematical. 



In primary and secondary endocarditis it is usual first to bleed and 

 apply counter-irritants. Six to ten pints of blood are withdrawn, and 

 a large mustard plaster applied to the lower half of the chest ; or the 

 left surface of the chest over the heart is blistered. Some authors 

 claim to have had good results from continued irrigation of, or appli- 

 cation of ice to, the prsecordial region. 



Internally the most useful agents are sulphate of quinine, given in 

 electuary in doses of 2 i to 5 drachms per day ; and in the rheumatic 

 form, salicylate of soda in doses of 5 to 10 drachms. 



Digitalis, empirically prescribed in all cardiac diseases, is here of 

 real use if the rhythm of the heart is irregular, or if myocarditis has 

 accompanied or followed inflammation of the endocardium ; it regulates 

 the action of the heart muscle. At the end of some days moderate 

 doses of potassium iodide have a good effect, appearing to favour 

 absorption of exudates. If fever is high antipyrin and cold enemata 

 may be given ; when weakness is marked, stimulants and antiseptics 

 seem indicated. 



In his Lecons siir les Antiseptiqucs M. Bouchard draws attention to 

 the good effects produced by internal administration of antiseptics in 

 many microbic diseases. In infectious forms of endocarditis the ideal 

 method of treatment would consist in destroying the organisms in or 

 on the endocardium. At present this is impossible, but by using 

 antiseptics we can arrest or diminish man}- primary infectious processes, 

 of which endocarditis only forms a complication. 



