XXXVI. 

 DISEASES OF THE HEART AND ITS MEMBRANES. 



Heart disease is of rare occurrence in the lower animals, com- 

 pared with its frequency in the human race. Diseases of the 

 heart are divided into functional and organic functional derange- 

 njent of the heart, characterized by palpitations, irregularity, or 

 intermittence of the pulse, and may arise from debility, indiges- 

 tion and many other diseases. 



Organic disease of the heart is a disease of its substance. 



CARDKIS. 



Carditis inflammation of the heart substance occurs, and is 

 usually circumscribed. In cases where the whole or a large por- 

 tion of the substance is inflamed, death quickly occurs. If, how- 

 ever, it is circumscribed in character, recovery may take place, 

 but there is a tendency to the formation of small abscesses. 



Treatment. — Potassium bicarbonate, in doses of two drachms, 

 should be administered. The animal should be kept quiet. Po- 

 tassium chlorate is highly recommended. It should be given in 

 two-drachm doses three times a day. Strong stimulants, or blis- 

 ters should be applied over the region of the heart, and the 

 bowels should be kept in good condition. The disease is not satis- 

 factorily treated. 



PERICARDITIS. 



Inflammation of the pericardium occurs in all animals, but is 

 most frequently met with in cattle. It may arise from injury, 

 or it may be associated with chronic disease of any organ of the 

 body. 



Symptoms. — The pulse is hard and irritable, and easily excited. 

 The respirations are a little quickened, and the mouth is hotter 



(426) 



