1*22 PERICARDITIS. 



sternum ; but the operation is seldom successful, and 

 can be performed only by a Veterinary Surgeon who 

 is well acquainted with anatomy. The general treat- 

 ment, in other respects, would be the same as for 

 hydrothorax ; therefore, to that article the reader is 

 referred ; it being fortunate that two diseases, which 

 in their symptoms so closely simulate one another, 

 require similar measures for their relief. 



ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. 



The heart is liable to several morbid changes ; the 

 most frequent of which is hypertrophy, or increase of 

 its substance. This is sometimes so great as to 

 double the natural size of the organ, and may be 

 attended with an increase of, or a diminution of its 

 cavities. 



Sometimes this morbid growth of the heart is of a 

 cancerous nature. We have known the heart double 

 its natural weight, and altered in form, by fungoid 

 growth. The symptoms were principally an irregu- 

 lar pulse with a strong bounding action of the heart, 

 while the horse at length died suddenly. 



These cancerous diseases of the heart are, however, 

 uniformly fatal sooner or later ; nor is there any treat- 

 ment which can be absolutely recommended. The 

 symptoms are during life never understood, nor does 

 medicine yet possess the power to check the corroding 

 effects of cancer. 



However, the interest of the master will be best 

 consulted by man showing kindness to his servant, 

 so true is the teaching which instructs us that kindness 

 is its own reward. 



