46 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



3. TERMINATION OF DISEASE. 



How do diseases terminate ? 



It may occur in one of three ways : either by a cure, secondary 

 processes, or death. 



A cure may take place in what way ? 



It may take place by a lysis, which is a gradual withdrawal of 

 the diseased action — that is, a slow return to health. Or by a crisis, 

 which is an abrupt ending, generally with a critical discharge — that 

 is, it is a sudden change, for better or worse. Or by a metastasis, 

 which is the changing from one location to another, or the shifting 

 of the disease. 



What is understood by the secondary processes ? 



By this is meant when the diseased action is substituted by 

 a new morbid process, as rheumatism followed by heart trouble, or 

 apoplexy by cerebral softening. 



What is death ? 



It is a complete cessation of tissue change, or a cessation of all 

 functions, the aggregation of which constitutes life ; or a complete 

 cessation of the bodily functions and of reconstructive change. The 

 blood must be pure arterial blood, and must circulate to sustain 

 life. If it stops circulating death is the result. 



What are the vital organs ? 



The heart and blood-vessels, the lungs and the nervous system. 

 Each of these must continue its work, or life Avill stop. Their 

 functions are called " the vital functions " — circiUation, respiration, 

 and innervation. 



4. MODES OF DEATH. 



Through what channels may death occur ? 



Beginning at the heart, the lungs, or the brain. 



Death beginning at the heart takes place how ? 



It may take place in one of two ways : suddenly or by syncope, 

 or by a gradual cessation. Death by syncope may occur in one of 

 two ways: by asthenia and loss of irritability — that is, without the 



