2i0 BUKEAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



KUI^UKE OF THE HEART. 



This may occur as the result of some previous disease, such as fatty 

 degeneration, dilatation with weakness of the muscular walls, etc. It 

 may be caused by external violence, a crushing fall, pressure of some 

 great weight, etc. Usually death follows a rupture very quicklv, 

 though an animal may live for some time when the rent is not very 

 large. 



WEAKNESS OF THE HEART. 



This ma}^ arise from general debilit}^, the result of exhausting disease, 

 overwork, or heart strain, or loss of blood. It is indicated by a small, 

 feeble, but generally regular pulse, coldness of the body, etc. 



Treatment. — This should be directed to support and increase the 

 strength of the animal b}^ tonics, rest, and nutritious food. Carbonate 

 of ammonia may be given to stimulate the heart's action and to pre- 

 vent the formation of heart clot. 



CONGESTION OF THE HEART. 



Congestion, or an accumulation of the blood in the cavities of the 

 heart, may occur in consequence of fibrinous deposits interfering with 

 the free movements of the valves, usually the product of endocarditis 

 or as a result of excessive muscular exertion. 



Symj^toms. — Great difficulty of breathing, paleness of the visible 

 mucous membranes, great anxiety, frequentlj^ accompanied by a gen- 

 eral tremor and cold perspiration, followed by death. It usually 

 results in death ver}^ quickl3^ 



CYANOSIS OF NEWBORN FOALS. 



This is a condition sometimes found in foals immediately after birth, 

 and is due to nonclosure of ihQ foramen ovale, which allows a mixture 

 of the venous with the arterial blood in the left cavities of the heart. 

 It is characterized by a dark purple or bluish color of the visible 

 mucous membranes, shortness of breath, and general feebleness. 

 Foals thus affected general^ live only a few hours after birth. 



DISEASES OF ARTERIES, OR ARTERITIS AND ENDARTERITIS. 



Inflammation of arteries is rarely observed in the horse as a primary 

 affection. Direct injuries, such as bloAvs, may produce a contusion 

 and subsequent inflammation of the wall of an artery; severe muscu- 

 lar strain ma}^ involve an arterial trunk; hypertroph}^ of the heart, by 

 increasing arterial tension, may result in the production of a general 

 endarteritis. Septic infection may affect the inner coat and ultimately 

 involve all three, or it may be the result of an inflammation in the 

 vicinitv of the vessels, etc. Inflammation of arteries, whatever the 



