106 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



some organic heart disease must be directed largely at the 

 original disease. Morphine is commonly used for the treat- 

 ment of this disorder. Weak, ana?mic animals should receive 

 blood and bitter tonics. If we have reason to believe that the 

 disturbance is caused by improper feeding, the animal should 

 receive a spare diet for a few days. In such cases it is advis- 

 able to administer a physic. 



Pericarditis. — Inflammation of the pericardial sack is 

 usually a secondary disease. It is frequently met with in in- 

 fluenza, contagious pleuropneumonia, hog-cholera and rheuma- 

 tism. Cattle may suffer from traumatic pericarditis caused by 

 sharp, pointed, foreign bodies passing through the wall of the 

 reticulum and penetrating the pericardial sack. The jagged 

 ends of fractured ribs may cause extensive injury to neighbor- 

 ing parts, and the inflammation spreads to the pericardial sack. 



The symptoms of pericarditis may not be recognized at the 

 very beginning when the disease occurs as a complication of 

 influenza, or infectious pleuropneumonia. The manifestation 

 of pain by moving about in the stall, refusing to eat and the 

 anxious expression of the face are the first symptoms that the 

 attendant may notice. The body temperature is higher than 

 normal, and the pulse rapid and irregular. On auscultation, 

 friction sounds that correspond to the tumultuous beats of the 

 heart are heard. When fluid collects within the pericardial 

 sack, the heart beats become feeble and tlie pulse weak. Labored 

 breathing and bluish discoloration of the lips follow. The 

 disease usually runs a very acute course. The prognosis is 

 unfavorable. 



The treatment recommended in pneumonia is indicated 

 in this disease. Absolute rest and the feeding of an easily 

 digested, laxative diet is a very essential part of the treatment. 

 At the very beginning morphine may be given to quiet the 

 tumultuous beats of the heart. Cold applications to the chest 

 wall in the form of ice packs should be used. Heart tonics and 



