48 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



interferes with respiration to a considerable extent, and is 

 sometimes mistaken for palpitation of the heart. 



Causes. — Slight or severe exertion will cause it, if the 

 animal is not in a fit condition. The most common cause 

 is violent exertion ; consequently the condition is of most 

 frequent occurrence among horses of fast work, as trotters 

 and runners. Driving an animal for several miles pretty 

 freely will also cause it ; and more especially if the animal 

 is debilitated or out of condition. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of spasm of the diaphragm 

 are plain. Eespiration is difficult ; a thumping sound is 

 heard, but posterior to the region of the heart, and more 

 violent and severe than palpitation; flapping of the nostrils, 

 and perhaps death, the immediate cause of which is 

 pulmonary congestion, or cessation of the heart's action. 



Treatment. — This is much the same as in colic. Give 

 stimulants or opiates in the usual quantities ; clothe the 

 patient ; give enemas, with ol. terebinth. After having 

 suffered once, a horse is more liable to subsequent attacks 

 than an animal that has never suffered. To prevent, 

 endeavour to improve his condition. 



Rupture of the Diaphragm. — This lesion may occur with- 

 out producing immediate death of the animal. 



Causes. — Rupture of the diaphragm most generally occurs 

 as a result of acute indigestion ; the stomach and bowels 

 become distended with gas, press upon the diaphragm, and 

 when a paroxysm seizes the animal, causing him to throw 

 himself violently about, rupture takes place. It may also 

 be caused by putting the animal to violent exertion immedi- 

 ately after a full meal. 



Symptoms. — The condition is very difficult, or almost 

 impossible, to diagnose. Cases are related in which symp- 

 toms of great pain were manifested, and in which frothy 

 spume and bubbles issued from the nostrils. 



