DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY ORGANS 



107 



stimulants such as digitalis, strychnine and alcohol should be 

 administered when the pulse beats weaken. To promote absorp- 

 tion of the exudate, iodide of sodium may be given. ]\[ustard 

 paste, or a cantharides blister applied over the region of the 

 heart is useful in easing the pain and overcoming the in- 

 flammation. If fluid collects in sufficient quantity to seriously 

 interfere with the heart action, the sack may be punctured with 



Fig. 24. — Elephantiasis in horse. 



the trocar and cannula and the fluid withdrawn. Great care 

 must be used to avoid injury to the heart and infection of the 

 part. 



Acute Lymphangitis. — This is an inflammation of the 

 lymphatic vessels of one or both hind limbs. The attack comes 

 on suddenly and usually occurs in connection with rest, and in 

 horses that are of slow, quiet temperament. The exciiing 

 cause is an infection of the part with bacteria, the infection 



