370 Veterinary Mediciiie. 



perspiration), the red globules are relatively increased (plethora 

 polycj'thsemica). After hearty feeding there is a large increase 

 of albumins (plethora hyperalbuminosa). Fibrine-fonning ele- 

 ments are apparently in excess during rheumatism, pneumonia 

 and other acute inflammations. Sugar is in excess after a sac- 

 charine or farinaceous meal, fat in obese individuals, after con- 

 sumption of fat, after injuries to the bone marrow,, and after 

 severe diseases with much destruction of albumen. 



The ratio of blood to the body weight is : In birds 1:12 ; in 

 Guinea pig 1:19; in rabbit 1:20; in cat 1:21 ; in dog 1:17 ; in 

 horse 1:18 ; in sheep 1:24 ; in pig 1:26 ; in ox 1:29 (Colin). As 

 showing the variation under even different normal conditions of 

 the system Bollinger found the blood but 2.2 per cent, of the 

 body weight in a fat pig, whilst it was 13.5 per cent, in a draft 

 horse. Colin found it 2.4 per cent, in the fat ox instead of the 

 usual 3.4 per cent. 



The excess of red globules and usually also of albumins is seen 

 as a temporary condition, in lean but vigorous animals put sud- 

 denly on an abundant diet, rich in assimilable albuminoids, in 

 working animals, put in confinement to feed, and above all in 

 high conditioned cows after an easy parturition, when the uterine 

 blood has been suddenly thrown on the general circulation and 

 the emunctories have failed to establish a balance. Also in the 

 lymphangitis occurring after a day or two of rest, in a horse that 

 has been hard worked and heavily fed. 



It should be borne in mind that the number of red globules 

 varies considerably in the different animals. In the dog it was 

 by weight 148.3 grammes per 1000; in the pig 105.7; ^^ the 

 horse 102.9; in the ox 99.71, and in the sheep 98.2 (Andral, 

 Gavarret, Delafond). By count the horse has 5,500,000 per 

 cubic millimeter (7,500,000, Nocard) ; and the dog 5,000,000. 



Symptoms. Under a sudden dangerous increase of the volume 

 or the organic elements of the blood, there are usually dulness, 

 lassitude, dropping of the head, strong, full, hard pulse, extra 

 force in the heart beats, thirst, elevated temperature, and redness 

 of the visible mucous membranes. At first there is no indication 

 of local disease, but unless relief comes by free secretion some 

 local complication is likely to ensue. This may be epistaxis, con- 

 gestion or apoplexy of the brain, parturition fever, lymphangitis, 



