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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 previous disease, as fatty de- 

 generation, 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 very quickly, 

 though an animal may live for some time when the rent is not very 

 large. 



WEAKNESS OF THE HEART. 



This may arise from general debility, the result of exhausting disease, 

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

 leeble, but generally regular pulse, coldness of the body, etc. 



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

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

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

 vent the formation of heart-clot. 



CONGESTION OF THE HEART. 



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

 heart, 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 mu- 

 cous membranes, great anxiety, frequently accompanied by a general 

 tremor and cold perspiration, followed by death. It usually results in 

 death very quickly. 



CYANOSIS. 



This is a condition sometimes found in foals immediately after birth, 

 and is due to non-closure of the for-amen ovale, which allows a mixtuer 

 of the venous with the arterial blood in the left cavities of the heart. 

 It is characterized by a dark purple or bluish color of the visible mucous 

 membranes, shortness of breath, and general feebleness. Foals thus 

 affected generally live only a few hours after birth. 



DISEASES OF ARTERIES — ARTERITIS AND ENDARTERITIS. 



Inflammation of arteries is rarely observed in the horse as a pri- 

 mary affection. Direct injuries, such as blows, may produce a contu- 

 sion and subsequent inflammation of the wall of an artery ; severe 

 muscular strain may involve an arterial trunk; hypertrophy of the 

 heart, by increasing arterial tension, may result in the production of a 

 general endarteritis. Septic infection may affect the inner coat and 

 ultimately involve all three, or it may be the result of an inflammation 

 in the vicinity of the vessels, etc. Inflammation of arteries, whatever 



