239 



PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 



This is a tumultuous and usually irregular beating of the heart. 

 It may be due to a A'ariety of causes, both functional and organic. 

 ■\Vc will, however, exclude tlio organic causes which lead to irregular 

 action, and give it a more simple specification. It may occur as a 

 result of indigestion, fright, increased nervousness, sudden excite- 

 ment, excessive speeding, etc. (See "Thumps.") 



Symptoms. — The heart may act with such violence that each beat 

 may jar the whole body of the animal ; very commonly it may be heard 

 at a short distance away from the animal. It can, usuallj^, be traced 

 A'cry readily to the exciting cause, which we may be able to avoid or 

 overcome in the future and thereby obviate subsequent attacks. 

 Rest, a mild stimulant, or a dose or two of tincture of digitalis or 

 opium ^xi\\ generally give prompt relief. AVlien it is due to organic 

 impairment of tlie heart it must be regarded as a symptom, not as a 

 matter for primarj^ specific treatment. 



SYNCOPE — FAINTING. 



Actual fainting rarelj' occurs among horses. It may, however, be 

 induced by a raind and great loss of blood, pain of great intensity, a 

 mechanical interference with the circulation of the brain, etc. 



Symptoms. — S3'ncoj)e is characterized hy a decrease or temporary 

 suspension of the action of the heart and respiration, with partial or 

 total loss of consciousness. It generally occurs suddenly, though 

 there may be premonitory symptoms, as giddiness or vertigo, dilated 

 pupil, staggering, blanching of the visible mucous membranes, a 

 rapidly sinking jjulse, and dropping to the ground. The pulse is 

 feeble or ceases to beat; the surface of the body turns cold; breath- 

 ing is searcelj^ to be perceived, and the animal may be entirely uncon- 

 scious. This state is uncertain in duration; generally it lasts only a 

 few minutes; the circulation becomes restored, breathing becomes 

 more distinct, and consciousness and muscular strength return. In 

 cases attended with much hemorrhage or organic disease of the heart, 

 the fainting fit may be fatal; otherwise it will prove but a transient 

 occurrence. In j)aralysis of the heart tlie symptoms may be exactlj^ 

 similar to syncope. Syncojie may be distinguished from apoplexy by 

 the absence of stertorous breathing, and lividitj^ of the visible mucous 

 membranes. 



Treatment. — Dash cold water on the head; administer a stimulant, 

 4 ounces of whisky or half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia. Pre- 

 vent the animal from getting up too soon, or the attack may immedi- 

 ately recur. AfterAvards, if the attack was due to weakness from loss 

 of blood, impoverished blood, or associated with debility, general 

 tonics, rest, and nourishing food are indicated. 



