CHAPTER IV. 



DBOFSICAL AFFECTIONS. 



K raOFBT OF THK HEART. II. DROPSY OP THE BRAIN. — — HI. DROPSY OF THE CHESY. 



IV. DROPSY OF THK 8KIH OF THK CHEST. V. DROPSY OF THK SCROTUM. W 



DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN. 



I. Dropsy of the Heart: 



Causes. — The pericardium or membranous covering of the heart ii 

 subject to inflammation ; by this inflammation and consequent obstructeij 

 circulation in the minute vessels that supply it an effusion takes place, 

 »nd either thickens the walls of the pericardium itself, and thus contracts 

 or compresses the heart, or it is deposited in the cavity of the pericardium 

 in quantities varying from a pint to a gallon. This diseased condition iu 

 generally found in connection with dropsy of the chest or abdomen. 



How to know it.^In the early stages of the disease there is a quickened 

 and irregular respiration, with a bounding action of the heart. As the 

 fluid increases the action of this organ becomes feeble and fluttering. 

 There is a peculiar expression of anxiety and alarm on the countenance 

 of the animal. If he does not die of the disease before the pericardium 

 is filled, violent palpitations and throbbings characterize the advanced 

 stage. The breathing becomes difficult, and when the head is raised 

 there is a tendency to faint. 



What to do. — If it is observed while there is yet a painful state of the 

 pericardium by reason of inflammation — profuse effusion not havnig 

 taken place— the first thing is to reduce the inflammation and allay the 

 pain, and thus forestall the further accumulation of the fluid. For thi& 

 purpose relieve constipation, which is usually found as an accompaniment, 

 fcy moderate doses of salts, or of oil. Then give the following draugnt; 



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