HEART DISEASES. 551 



The treatment is about the same as that laid down for peri- 

 carditis, but is not very often successful. 



HYPERTROPHY OF THE HEART. 



Simple hypertrophy is a condition in which the walls 

 of the heart become thickened, and the cavities en- 

 larged. This form is common in race-horses and stallions, 

 as well as among those members of the human family who 

 follow athletic sports or do violent work. ' Concentric 

 hypertrophy ' is that form of hypertrophy in which the 

 Avails of the heart become thickened, and the cavities 

 lessened in size. Anything that tends to obstruct the flow 

 of blood through the heart has a tendency to produce 

 hypertrophy of that organ. It is frequently associated 

 with heaves, and with valvular disease of the heart. 



Si/mjjtoms. — The animal shows general weakness. The 

 pulse may either be strong and hard, or weak and quick, 

 depending upon the form of hypertrophy that may be 

 present. Yenous regurgitation may also be noticed taking 

 place in the jugulars. The animal may have frequent 

 fainting fits, etc. 



Treatment. — Xo course of treatment has ever been found 

 to be successful, hence none will be advised. 



Heart, Dilatation of. — Dilatation of the heart is most 

 common amongst pampered and irregularly exercised ani- 

 mals, and more especially when such are highly fed. The 

 symptoms are the general symptoms of heart disease : as an 

 irregular pulse, regurgitation of blood in the jugular vein, 

 and the animal may die very suddenly at some time ; but 

 in many cases may live and do light slow work for a long 

 time. He should be well fed on nutritious food, and 

 potassa3 chlorat should be freely given. 



Rupture of the Heart. — Rupture of the heart is the 

 common termination of dilatation, and is most likely to 



