154 Diseases of the Hor^se. 



Sj/mptoms. — There is more or less persistent palpitation, 

 and the sounds of the heart are much louder than in health. 

 Slio-ht exertion increases these symptoms in a marked manner. 

 The breathing is often hurried. 



Treatment. — This condition is best combated by a moder- 

 ate diet, and freedom from excitement, overwork and sudden 

 exertion. Internally, the most effective remedy is aconite. 

 This must be given in twenty or thirty drop doses (of the 

 tincture of the root) twice a day, for a considerable time. 

 When the enlargement is connected with broken wind or any 

 similar impediment to the breathing. Prof. Williams recom- 

 mends the prolonged use of small doses of arsenicy say three 

 to five grains twice daily, in the food. 



In hard worked and aged horses, hypertrophy of the left 

 side of the heart is quite common. It can very generally be 

 relieved by commencing the treatment with a few doses of 

 aconite and then continuing with digitalis, as recommended 

 under palpitation (p. 153). 



FATTY DEGENEBATION OF THE HEART. 



Definition. — A change of the muscular substance of the 

 heart to fat, thus w^eakening the strength of the- organ and 

 leading to rupture of its tissues. 



Causes. — This is the most common change W'hich takes 

 place in the hearts of horses. It is generally due to advanc- 

 ing age, to high living and lack of exercise. It is also pro- 

 duced by other diseases, as purpura and scarlet fever. 



Symptoms. — There is a gradually increasing debility of 

 the circulation, as shown by the w^eak and irregular pulse, 

 and the lessening of the sounds of the heart. The legs 

 swell and become dropsical, and the horse gives out sooner 

 w^hen at work. The appetite becomes capricious, the lining 

 membrane of the mouth and nose assumes a rusty red appear- 



