237 



smart blisters may be applied to tlie sides of the chest with benefit. 

 If the disease becomes chronic, iodide of iron and gentian to support 

 the strength will be indicated, but the iodide of potassa, in 1 or 2 

 dram doses, two or three times a day, must not be abandoned so long 

 as there is an evidence of effusion or x^lastic exudate accumulating in 

 the pericardial sac. Where the effusion is great and threatens the 

 life of the patient, tapping, by an expert veterinarian, may save the 

 animal. 



VALVULAR DISEASE OF THE HEART. 



Acute valvular disease can not be distinguished from endocarditis, 

 and chronic valvular affections are generalh' the result of endocardial 

 inflammation. The valves of the left side are the most subject — the 

 bicuspid or mitral, and the aortic or semilunar. It may consist of 

 mere inflammation and swelling, or the edges of the valves may become 

 agglutinated by the organization of the exudation, thus narrowing the 

 passage. Valvular obstruction and adhesions may occur, or the tendi- 

 nous cords ma}^ be lengthened or shortened, thus obstructing the 

 orifices and i)ermitting the regurgitation of blood. In protracted 

 cases the fibrous tissue of the valves may be transformed into fibro- 

 cartilage or bone, or there may be deposits of salts of lime beneath 

 the serous membrane, which may terminate in ulceration, rupture, or 

 fissures. Sometimes the valves become covered by fibrinous, fleshy, 

 or cartilaginous vegetations or excrescences. In cases of considerable 

 dilatation of the heart there may be atrophy and shrinking of the 

 valves. 



Si/mjjtoms. — Valvular disease may be indicated by a venous pulse, 

 jerking pulse, intermittent pulse, irregular pulse; palpitation; con- 

 stant abnormal fullness of the jugular veins; difficulty of breathing 

 when the animal becomes excited, or is urged out of a walk or into a 

 fast trot ; attacks of vertigo ; congestion of the brain ; dropsical swell- 

 ing of the limbs. A blowing, cooing, or bubbling murmur may some- 

 times be heard bj' placing the ear over the heart on the loft side of 

 the chest. 



HjTDertrophy, or dilatation, or both, usually follows valvular dis- 

 ease. 



Treatment. — When the pulse is irregular, or irritable, tonics, such 

 as preparations of iron, gentian, and ginger, may be given. When 

 the action of the heart is jerking or violent, 20 to 30 drop doses of 

 tincture of digitalis or of veratrum viride may be given until these 

 sjnnptoms abate. As the disease nearlj- alwaj's is the result of endo- 

 carditis, the iodide of potassa and general tonics, sometimes stimu- 

 lants, when general debility suiiervenes, may be of temporary 1)enefit. 

 Very few animals recover, or remain useful for any length of time, 

 after once marked organic changes have taken place in the valvular 

 structure of the heart. 



