242 



Symptoms. — Tlie most prominent sjnnptoms of fatty degeneration 

 are a feeble action of the heart, a remarkably slow pnlse, general 

 debility, and attacks of vertigo. It may exist for a long time, but is 

 apt to suddenly terminate in death upon the occurrence of other dis- 

 eases, surgical operations, etc. It may involve a liabilitj^ to sudden 

 death from rupture of the ventricular walls. 



Treatment. — Confinement in feed to oats, wheat or rye bran, and 

 timoth}' hay. Twenty drops of sulphni'ie acid may be given in drink- 

 ing-water three times a day, and hyi^ophosphite of iron in 2-dram doses, 

 mixed with the feed twice a day. (^ther tonics and stimulants as they 

 may be indicated. 



ATROPHV OF THE HEART — WASTING. 



A diminution of muscular substance of the heart and consiequent 

 accrease in bulk and weight. It is generally due to imperfect nutri- 

 tion from occlusion of the blood-vessels which supplj- it. 



Symptoms. — The heart beat is weak and hardly perceptible; the 

 area of dullness over the region of the heart is lessened. Further than 

 this it furnishes no characteristic symptoms which distinguish it from 

 some other diseases of this organ. Treatment is of no avail. 



RUPTURE OF THE HEART. 



This may occur as the result of some lu'cvious disease, as fatty 

 degeneration, dilatation with weakness of the muscular walls, etc. 

 It may be caused by external violence, a crushing fall, pressure of 

 some great weight, etc. Usually, death follows a rupture verj^ 

 quickly, though an animal may live for some time when the rent is 

 not Aery large. 



AVEAKNESS OF THE HEART. 



Tills niay arise from general debility, the j-esult of exhausting dis- 

 ease, overwork or heart strain, or loss of blood. It is indicated by a 

 small, feeble, but generally regular j)ulse, coldness of the bod}^, etc. 



Treatment. — This should be directed to support and increase the 

 strength of the animal, by tonics, rest, and nutritious food. Carbon- 

 ate of ammonia may be given to stimulate the heart's action and to 

 prevent the formation of heart-clot. 



CONGESTION OF THE HEART. 



Congestion, or an accumulation of the blood in the cavities of the 

 heai-t, may occur in consequence of fibrinous deposits interfering with 

 the free movements of the valves, usually the product of endocarditis. 



Symptoms. — Great difficulty of breathing, paleness of the visible 

 mucous membranes, great anxiet}^ frequently accompanied b}- a gen- 

 eral tremor and cold perspiration, followed by death. It usually 

 results in death very quickly. 



