Endocarditis. 337 



Prognosis. Endocarditis is always attended with great danger 

 to life, but it is more likely to terminate in chronic valvular dis- 

 ease which quite unfits the animal for useful work. Mild cases 

 may terminate in complete recovery. 



Treatment. This is in the main the same as that adopted in 

 the early stages of pericarditis. Absolute rest is of prime impor- 

 tance. I^axatives, sedatives and counterirritants are to be mainly 

 relied upon. Belladonna and chloroform on the chest behind the 

 left elbow may be used. As there is not the same danger from 

 effusion, diuretics need not be pushed to the same extent. Digi- 

 talis must be avoided if possible until the high fever subsides. 

 In infective cases quinia, salicylate of soda, salol, or hyposulphite 

 of soda may be given. L,ater give tincture of muriate of iron. 



In rhemuatic cases, treat as for an acute attack of rheumatism. 

 Frequent large doses of salicylate of soda or salol, large doses of 

 acetate of potass and colchicum, warm clothing and counter- 

 irritants to the region of the heart are especially demanded. 

 (See Rheumatism.) 



When clots are suspected, and when endocarditis threatens to 

 lapse into the chronic form, it is recomended to give iodide of 

 potassium (horse and ox i drachm, dog 5 grains, twice daily) 

 with carbonate of ammonia or of potass and bitter tonics. A 

 lengthened rest after apparent recovery is essential to avoid per- 

 manent valve lesions. 



