PALPITATION OF THE HEART 613 



tation by rail for considerable distances. The condition here is 

 also, no doubt, due to nervous excitement. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of the condition are sometimes not 

 very noticeable unless the animals are closely observed. The most 

 prominent symptom is the rapid, violent beating of the heart. In 

 many cases the heart will be seen to beat at double its normal rate. 

 In some of the severe cases this rapid beating is accompanied by a 

 loud thumping sound, and the heart-beats can be heard at a consid- 

 erable distance from the animal. In many cases the thumping of 

 the heart against the chest wall can be plainly seen, and in more 

 severe attacks the entire body may jerk at each heart-beat. These 

 are the cases that resemble very closely spasm of the diaphragm or 

 thumps. They differ from thumps, however, in that the jerking 

 occurs with each heart-beat instead of with each respiratory move- 

 ment. 



During the attack the animal is quite restless and has a very 

 anxious expression. In horses and in cattle it is common for 

 the animals to break out in a sweat. This does not occur in the 

 hog. 



Course. — The course of palpitation is usually short, lasting only 

 a few hours, or a day or two at most. Attacks may recur, however, 

 at quite frequent intervals. 



Treatment. — An attack of true palpitation of the heart requires 

 but little treatment beyond absolute rest. Regulation of diet is 

 also an important factor. The animals should be placed on easily 

 digested, sloppy feed, and given a free dose of calomel and oil, 

 for the purpose of cleaning out the stomach and bowel and removing 

 any irritating substances which may be contained in these organs. 

 For the irritability and restlessness teaspoonful doses of tincture 

 of opium may be given for three or four doses at three-hour inter- 

 vals. 



