84 DISEASES OF THE HEART 



in the dog can be seen quite a distance from the animal, the 

 tumultuous throb of the heart shaking the whole body. The 

 heart action soon becomes irregular and very weak. The 

 pulse is very rapid, weak, small, irregular and in later stages 

 imperceptible. The pulse usually becomes so rapid that it 

 is impossible to count it. Respirations are rapid, labored, 

 and the animal soon becomes prostrated. 



The temperature in the early stages is elevated, the degree 

 depending upon the etiological factor; later it becomes 

 subnormal. 



In some cases myocarditis takes a very rapid course, the 

 animals dying suddenly from rupture or paralysis of the heart. 



Diagnosis.— This is difficult as the symptoms are quite 

 similar to endocarditis, pericarditis, etc. A careful exami- 

 nation should always be made. When insufficiency of the 

 heart action exists without frictional sounds or bruits, myo- 

 carditis may be suspected. 



Prognosis.— The prognosis is unfavorable, especially in 

 secondary myocarditis, due to infection, or during the course 

 of infectious diseases. Even in primary acute myocarditis 

 there are always degenerative changes in the heart muscle 

 which are impossible to entirely overcome. If recovery 

 occurs it is as a rule only partial (chronic myocarditis). 



Treatment.— Hygienic— The animal should be kept in a 

 quiet place, avoiding all excitement or handling. 



Medical.— The heart weakness should be treated by using 

 heart stimulants and tonics, such as dilute alcohol (2.0- 

 4.0); fluidextract digitalis (0.075-0.10); caffein citrate 

 (0.5-1.0 subcutaneously every six to ten hours); ether (2.0- 

 4.0 subcutaneously); oil camphor (1.0-4.0 subcutaneously); 

 or atropin sulphate (0.04-0.075 subcutaneously). The use 

 of these preparations will depend largely upon the needs of 

 the case. 



In very acute cases there is no treatment that will produce 

 satisfactory results. 



Chronic Myocarditis.— Definition.— A chronic inflamma- 

 tion of the myocardium. This condition occurs frequently 

 in small animals but is rarely recognized during life. It is 

 often confused with other heart affections. 



