OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. l"' 



then Strong stimulants are indicated, such as alcohol, whisky, dig- 

 italis (most important of all) and nitro-glycerine is often resorted 

 to when the others fail. Tincture of cactus is good in the human 

 when the palpitation is due to indigestion. If the palpitation is 

 due to the disturbance of some other organ then the condition 

 is reflex and it is necessary to treat the organ disturbed. In case 

 of anaemia treat the blood ; in plethora and too much fat, give 

 a purgative, reduce the feed and give mce exercise. The excited 

 condition of the heart should also be treated. For this aconite is 

 the best for it slows the heart without depressing it. Give about 

 ten drops of the tincture of aconite or about seven drops of the 

 extract. Give whisky also, a half pint for the first dose and then, 

 if necessary, repeat in two ounce doses every fifteen minutes 

 until the animal is relieved. After the attack is over then remove 

 the cause. If the horse is suffering from nervous exhaustion 

 then give cardiac stimulants, such as digitalis. Powdered digi- 

 ■ talis and solid extract of belladonna are prescribed, twenty 

 grains each, night and morning. If the blood is faulty give iron. 

 Treatment of singuUus depends upon its seventy and dura- 

 tion. It usually disappears as the horse cools and after drinking 

 a few swallows of cold water. If not give half a grain of strych- 

 nia hypodermatically. If this does not stop it give four grains 

 of morphia in the same way. 



CYANOSIS. 



Cyanosis is known as the blue disease. This occurs only 

 in young animals.-those newly born. It is sometimes found in 

 foals immediately after birth and is due to the non-closure of 

 he foramen ovaie between the two auricles. This a lows a mix- 

 ture 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 

 coldness and feebleness. Foals thus affected generally live only 

 a few hours. If the young animal should live it would grovv 

 up very weak. This condition is often seen in bab.es-b ue baby 

 it is called-and they may recover by good nursing If they can 

 be kept alive for eight or ten days they will get well. 



