552 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



occur whilst the animal is undergoing some violent exer- 

 tion, as racing, etc. Death immediately results. 



Heart, Valvular Disease of. — Valvular disease of the 

 heart may occur as a result of fatty degeneration of the 

 organ, and from warty growths, etc., on the valves. This 

 last cause is one operating most commonly among cattle. 

 Nothing can be done. 



Venous Regurgitation. — Where venous regurgitation 

 exists auscultation reveals a peculiar cooing sound, and the 

 heart beats over a considerable surface. If the patient be 

 excited the pulse runs up very quickly, and is of an inter- 

 mittent character. This condition is often noticed in the 

 convalescent stages of influenza. It is symptomatic of 

 heart disease ; but if the pulse is full, it may be regarded 

 as a good sign, showing that the heart is regaining its 

 tone. 



Cyanosis. — Cyanosis, or, as it is often called, 'blue 

 disease,' is due to malformation of the heart ; to the 

 foramen ovale remaining open instead of closing as it 

 should at birth. Any abnormal oj^ening existing in the 

 auricular or ventricular septa will give rise to the same 

 symptoms. It causes death, but usually only after a long 

 time. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are not so well marked 

 among the lower animals as in man, on account of the 

 difference in the colour of skin. In man there is a 

 peculiar blueness of the lips, face, etc. : the lips looking as 

 though stained while eating blue-berries. The same symp- 

 toms occur in the lower animals ; but, as before stated, are 

 not so well marked. They are better marked in white 

 haired and white skinned animals. 



Aneurisms. — An aneurism is a tumour produced by dila- 

 tation of an artery ; when all the coats of the artery are 

 dilated and form a pouch, it is known as a 'true aneurism.' 



