CHAPTER LV. 



SPOEADIC DISEASES— con^mwcd 



LOCAL DISEASES— co7itmued. 



(L.) AFFECTIONS OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHEAGM, 



Often confounded with palpitation of the heart, is generally 

 caused by over-exertion, such as a fast run in the hunting-field ; 

 it is also sometimes seen in tetanus. Its most prominent 

 symptom is a convulsive motion or jerking of the whole body, 

 accompanied by a dull, thumping noise, unconnected with the 

 pulsation of the heart, emanating posterior to that organ in the 

 region of the diaphragm. In some instances the impulse of 

 the heart is barely perceptible ; the pulse is small and weak, 

 and there is great difficulty in breathing. The spasmodic 

 movements of the diaphragm are not synchronous with the 

 pulse : this, along with the fact that the sound proceeds from 

 parts posterior to the heart, at once points out the difference 

 between this affection and cardiac palpitation. 



Treatment. — Generally speaking, a good diffusible stimulant, 

 with warm clothing and quietude, is all that is necessary. 

 Should the symptoms continue, opium is to be administered, 

 and if at any time the dyspnoea be great, and the animal in 

 danger of dying from apnoea, it may be necessary to abstract 

 a moderate quantity of blood in order to relieve undue pul- 

 monary congestion. 



EUPTUPtE OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 



Many cases of this lesion are reported by veterinarians. I am 

 afraid, however, that in most of them the rupture has been post 



