CHAPTER XIX. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART, ARTERIES, VEINS AND 

 BLOOD. 



I. — Heart Diseases. 



AFFECTIONS of the heart are uncommon to the horse, 

 but palpitation and rupture of the valves are met 

 with sometimes. 



1. Rupture of the Valves. 



Causes. — It is hard to tell just what is the cause, but it is 

 safe to conclude that valves were diseased in some form 

 before the rupture takes place. 



Symptoms. — When rupture takes place the horse dies 

 almost instantly, as it immediately stops the circulation. In 

 some cases the horse may be subjected to weak spells before 

 rupture takes place, while in others this symptom may not be 

 noticed. 



Treatment. — Nothing tending to bring about a cure can 

 be done. An examination of the heart after death is the only 

 means of determining definitely whether death was due to 

 rupture, when clotted blood and the ruptured valve may be 

 seen. 



2. Palpitation. 



This is due to weakness of the heart. 



Causes. — It generally follows such weakening diseases as 

 fevers, lung troubles, or dropsy of the heart. 



Symptoms. — There is extreme weakness accompanied by 

 violent thumping of the heart, plainly heard when placing the 

 ear against the side in its vicinity. This is increased during 

 periods of excitement. The pulse is weak but quick, and 

 there is little ability to do ordinary work. 



Treatment. — Keep him as quiet as possible, and do all 

 possible to build up the general strength by easily digested, 

 nutritious diet. Give a tonic of 



Pulverized Digitalis H pound. 



Ground Gentian Root l / 2 pound. 



Powdered Nux Vomica Y\ pound. 



Ground Sulphate of Iron J4 pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day 

 in the feed or on the tongue with a spoon. 



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