232 



one or more of the cavities. Their color is usually white, but occa- 

 sionally red from the presence of blood. They firmly adhere to the en- 

 docardium, and when detached from it give it a torn appearance. Occa- 

 sionally, avascular communication seems to exist between them and the 

 substance of the heart. They may be the result of fibrinous exudation 

 from inflammation of the inner surface of the heart, or the coagulation 

 of a portion of the blood which afterwards contracts adhesion with the 

 heart. These concretions prove a source of great inconvenience, and 

 often danger, no matter how formed. They cause a diminution in the 

 cavity in which they are found, thus narrowing the orifice through which 

 the blood i)asses, or preventing a proper coaptation of the valves, which 

 may produce most serious valvular disease. 



Symptoms. — These are frequently uncertain ; they may, however, be 

 suspected when the action of the heart suddenly becomes embarrassed 

 with irregular and confused pulsations, great difficulty of breathing, 

 and the usual signs dependent upon the imperfect arterialization of 



the blood. 



Treatment— Stimulants, whisty, or carbonate of ammonia, may be 



of service. 



FUNCTIONAL AND ORGANIC DISEASES OF THE HEART. 



The distinction between functional and organic diseases of the heart 

 is not easily made. We may accept as a guide that the character of 

 organic diseases of the heart is to progress, and that of functional to 

 occur at regular intervals. Active exercise almost invariably aggra- 

 vates organic, but seldom increases the symptoms of functional disease, 

 and that the physical signs generally are soon developed, and remain 

 permanent in organic, while they seldom exist in functional. 



PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 



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

 It may be due to a variety of causes, both functional and organic. We 

 will, however, exclude the 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 excitement, exces- 

 sive 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, usually, be traced very 

 readily to the exciting cause, which we may be able to avoid or over- 

 come in the future and thereby obviate subsequent attacks. Eest, a 

 mild stimulant, or a dose or two of tincture of digitalis or opium, will 

 generally give prompt relief. When it is due to organic impairment of 

 the heart it must be regarded as a symptom, not as a matter for pri- 

 mary sx^ecific treatment. 



