234 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTET. 



ma}' begin equally as early. In subacute or in chronic cases the effu- 

 sion may .slowl}' become augmented until the pressure upon the lungs 

 and interference with the circulation becomes so great that death will 

 result. Whether the attack is acute, subacute, or chronic, the charac- 

 teristic symptoms which will guide us to a correct diagnosis are the 

 friction sound, which is always synchronous with the heart's action, 

 the high temperature with hard, irritable pulse, and, in cases of peri- 

 cardial effusion, the increased area of dullness over the cardiac region. 

 When the disease is associated with influenza or rheumatism, some of 

 the symptoms may be obscure, but a careful examination will reveal 

 sufficient evidence upon which to base a diagnosis. When pericarditis 

 develops as a result of or in connection with pleuritis, the distinction 

 ma}^ not l^e very clearly definable, neither will many recover. When 

 it results from a wound or broken rib, it almost invariably proves 

 fatal. 



Pathology. — Pericarditis ma}' at all times be regarded as a ver}' seri- 

 ous affection. At first we will find an intense injection or accumula- 

 tion of blood in the vessels of the pericardium, giving it a red and 

 swollen appearance, during which we have the friction sound. In 

 twenty-four to forty-eight hours this engorgement is followed by an 

 exudation of sero -fibrinous fluid, the fibrinous portion of which may 

 soon form a coating over the internal surface of the pericardial sac, 

 and may ultimately form a imion of the opposing surfaces. Generally 

 this adhesion will only be found to occupy a portion of the surfaces. 

 As the serous or watery portion of this effusion is absorbed, the dis- 

 tinctness of the friction sound recurs, and may remain perceptible in a 

 varied degree for a long time. When the serous effusion is very great, 

 the pressure exerted upon the heart weakens its action, and may pro- 

 duce death soon; when it is not so great, it may cause dropsies of other 

 portions of the body. When the adhesions of the pericardial sac to 

 the body of the heart are extensive, the}- generally lead to increased 

 growth, or hypertrophy, of the heart, with or Avithout dilatation of its 

 cavities; when they are but slight, they may not cause any inconvenience. 



Treatment. — In acute or subacute pericarditis the tincture of digi- 

 talis may be given in 20 to 30 drop doses every hour until the pulse 

 and temperature become reduced. Whisky or carbonate of ammonia 

 may be given regularly as stimulants. Bandages should be applied to 

 the legs; if the legs are very cold, tincture of capsicum should be first 

 applied; the body should be warmly clothed in blankets, to promote 

 perspiration. When the suffering from pain is very severe, 10 grains 

 of morphine may be given by the mouth once or twice a day; nitrate 

 of potassa, half an ounce, in drinking water, every six hours; after 

 the third day, iodide of potassa, in 2-dram doses, may be substituted. 

 Cold packs to the chest in the early stages of the disease may give 

 narked relief, or, late in the disease, smart blisters may be applied to 

 the sides of the chest with benefit. If the disease becomes chronic, 



