54 



may be given in the drinking water, two or three times daily. Where much 

 debility follows the acute symptoms, tonics are required, and the formula 

 mentioned in treating of influenza, will prove very useful here also. In some 

 cases where fluid still remains unabsorbed in the chest, the veterinary 

 surgeon passes a trocar between the ribs, and draws off the effused liquid, 

 which may amount to many pints. 



HEART DISEASES 



We shall not have much to say concerning diseases of the heart. 



Palpitation or violent and tumultuous action of the heart, is a common 

 symptom met with both in functional, and in organic disease of the heart. 

 It is due to a variety of causes, such as sudden demand for work from the 

 heart in excess of its powers. In cases dependent upon weakness, tonics 

 are required, and the diet should be nutritious and digestible. When 

 palpitation results from nervous excitement, quietude should be enjoined. 

 Spirit of chloroform in one ounce dose?, with five minims of Fleming's 

 tincture of aconite, three times daily, is very useful. When we purchase a 

 horse it is always well to feel the pulse, as intermittence or irregularity of the 

 beat leads us to suspect, and then to further examine the heart. 



Hypertrophy of the heart is not uncommon in race-horses, from long- 

 continued exertion ; and in young thorough-bred foals, heart disease is not 

 uncommonly seen as the result of hereditary influence. Sometimes, indeed, 

 the disease commences in the young animal prior to its birth. 



Very frequently chronic affections of the heart are left after rheumatism. 

 Unfortunately, very little can be done in chronic affection of the valves of 

 the heart, and indee.l, in many crses, it is not our object to prolong life in 

 horses incapable of working owing to such serious diseases. 



In agel hoises, after sharp exertion, rupture of the heart is sometimes 

 met with, or it may result from a fall, or from direct violence to the chest 

 It is, necessarily, always fatal. 



