152 jyiseases of the Horse, 



ft 



CHAPTER lY. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART, ELOOD-VESSELS AND 



ABSORBENTS. 



Palpitation — Violent Heart Beat — Thumps, 



Enlargement or Hypertrophy of the Heart, 



Fatty Degeneration of the Heart. 



Aneurism — Enlargement of the Arteries, 



Inflammation of the Jugular Vein — Phlebitis, 



Inflammation of the Absorbent Vessels — Lymphangitis — Weed 



- — Shot of Grease, 



PALPITATION— VIOLENT HEAET BEAT— TETJMPS. 



Definition. — A sudden, violent, convulsive beating of the 

 heart, which may or may not be connected with some disease 

 of the valves or substance of the organ. 



Causes. — In the horse, this is most frequently seen in 

 pampered, highly fed animals, or in those which have very 

 irregular and violent exercise. Many horses when frightened 

 or excited suffer from excessive heart beat, which to some 

 extent lessens their capacity for work. If the palpitations 

 are frequent and persistent, they indicate some serious dis- 

 ease of the heart. Indigestion and many blood diseases are 

 accompanied by palpitations. 



Symptoms. — The chief Symptom is the increased violence 

 of the heart's action. It can be readily felt, seen and heard. 

 The pulse is irregular or intermittent. When owing to ner- 

 vousness and temporary causes, this is usually visible in the 

 excited eye, the rapid breathing, and in the quick diminution 

 of the palpitation. But where there are not such signs of 

 temporary excitement, the case is more serious as signifying 

 organic disease of the heart, which is not curable. 



