78 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



In those animals in which the heart sounds may be heard somewhat 

 distinctly, the ear ajDplied against the chest will detect a to-and-fro 

 friction sound, corresponding to the beats of the heart. This sound 

 is produced by the rubbing of the internal surface of the heart bag 

 against the external surface of the heart. During the first stages of 

 the inflammation these surfaces are dry, and the rubbing of one 

 against the other during the contraction and relaxation of the heart 

 produces this sound. The dry stage is followed by the exudation of 

 fluid into the heart sac, and the friction is not heard until the fluid 

 is absorbed sufficiently to allow the surfaces to come in contact again. 

 But during the time the friction sound is lost a sound which has been 

 called a " churning noise " may take its place. 



The friction sound of pericarditis can not be mistaken for the fric- 

 tion sound of pleurisy if the examination is a careful one, because 

 in the heart affection the sound is made in connection with the heart 

 beats, while in the pleuritic affection the sound is synchronous with 

 each respiration or breath of air taken in and expelled from the lungs. 



Treatinent. — When pericarditis is complicated with rheumatism or 

 other diseases the latter must l)e treated as directed in the description 

 of them. The animal must be kept in a quiet, comfortable place, 

 where it will be free from excitement. Warm clothing should be 

 applied to the body and the legs should be hand-rubbed until the cir- 

 culation in them is reestablished, and then snugly bandaged. The 

 food should be nutritive and in moderate quantity. Bleeding should 

 not be performed unless the case is in the hands of an expert. 



At the beginning give as a purgative Epsom salt — 1 pound to an 

 averaged-size cow — dissolved in about a quart of warm water and 

 administered as a drench. When there is much pain 2 ounces of 

 laudanum may be given, diluted with a pint of water, every three 

 hours until relief is given. Do not give the laudanum unless de- 

 manded by the severity of the pain, as it tends to constipation. Give 

 one-half ounce of nitrate of potassium (saltpeter), dissolved in drink- 

 ing water, four or five times a day. After the attack has abated 

 mustard mixed with water may be rubbed well over the left side 

 of the chest to stimulate the absorption of the fluid contained within 

 the pericardium. The other medicines may be discontinued and the 

 following administered : Sulphate of iron, 2 ounces ; powdered gen- 

 tian, 6 ounces; mix and make 8 powders. Give one powder every 

 day at noon, mixed with food, if the animal will eat it, or shaken up 

 with water in a bottle as a drench. Also the following: lodid of 

 potassium, 2 ounces; nitrate of potassium, 8 ounces; mix and make 

 16 powders. Give one in drinking water or in drench every morning 

 and evening. The last two prescriptions may be contiued for several 

 weeks if necessary. 



