Symptoms, Course and Prognosis. 917 



between its folds a superficial inflammation occurs not infre- 

 quently. 



Another symptom is lassitude and rapid fatigue on motion 

 wliicli causes the animals to become dyspneic and to perspire. 

 Eespiration is frequent and superficial even at rest, be- 

 cause the diaphragm is forced against the thoracic cavity and 

 because the contraction of the respiratory muscles is impeded. 

 This may, however, be partly due to the weakened heart action 

 through which the pulse becomes rapid and soft. 



Later on digestive disturbances occur frequently because 

 the motility of stomach and intestines is diminished by the 

 masses of fat, which may also account for the frequent con- 

 stipation. In breeding animals the ability to procreate dimin- 

 ishes proportionally with the obesity and eventually disappears 

 entirely; furthermore, the increased weight and diminished 

 muscle force renders coition difficult or impossible. 



Course and Prognosis. With care and moderate feeding 

 the diseased animals may be kept alive for a long time. But, 

 unless the causes are removed, there develops a gradually in- 

 creasing anemia leading to an aggravation of the respiratory 

 and circulatory disturbances, and finally death occurs from 

 heart failure or asphyxiation. Previous to the fatal termina- 

 tion there are often sigiis of blood stasis, such as cyanosis, 

 dyspnea, edematous infiltrations, etc. 



The prognosis is favorable insofar as a timely and proper 

 regulation of diet will in most cases relieve the pathological 

 condition. 



Treatment. The method which is most certain to be suc- 

 cessful consists in the diminution of the daily food ration and 

 in systematic exercise of the animals. In order to prevent 

 digestive disturbances the amount of the food should be re- 

 duced gradually down to a daily allowance which corresponds 

 to the species and size of the animal. Especially in dogs 

 care should be taken to feed them only at certain times, once 

 or twice daily. It is of course necessary to pay attention 

 to the composition of the food-stuffs and especially the allow- 

 ance of carbohydrates and fats should be limited as much as 

 possible. On the other hand the limitation of the amount of 

 drinking water has only the effect of assuring a freer motion 

 of the animals and therefore a greater expenditure of energy. 



It is advisable to attempt the systematic administration 

 of Carlsbad water (in dogs i/4 to 1 tablespoonful once or twice 

 before feeding), although in most cases this treatment is super- 

 fluous. Of excellent service are the thyroid gland preparations 

 which stimulate a considerable oxidation of fat, but at the 

 same time cause an increased disintegration of albumin, so that 

 their administration must be supplemented by a more generous 

 ratio of the proteids. The various preparations that may 



