DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY ORGANS. 97 



ure and fatigue, from wounds caused by broken ribs, etc. It is usually 

 associated with an attack of rheumatism, influenza or pleurisy. 



Symptoms. This disease shows itself abruptly by a brief stage of 

 chills accompanied by evidence of pain in moving; a short painful cough, 

 rapid and short breathing; and high temperature, with a rapid and hard 

 pulse. The fever, with corresponding pulse, is highest in the evening 

 and lowest in the morning. In the early stages the pulse is regular in 

 beat; later the heart-beat becomes mufHed, and may be doubled. By 

 placing the ear against the left side of the chest behind the elbow a rasp- 

 ing sound may be heard, corresponding in number to the heart-beat. Be- 

 tween the second and fourth days this sound disappears and by striking 

 on the surface over the heart, there will be found an increased dullness. 

 In the acute form of this disease the animal may die in a few days, but 

 in the chronic form the case progresses much more slowly. 



What to Do. "In acute or subacute pericarditis the tincture of 

 digitalis and tincture of aconite root may be mixed, taking equal quan- 

 tities, and give twenty to thirtj' drop doses every hour till the pulse and 

 temperature become reduced. Bandages should be applied to the legs; if 

 they are very cold, tincture of capsicum should be first applied; the body 

 should be warmly clothed in blankets to promote perspiration. "When 

 the suffering from pain is verj- severe, two ounces of tincture of opium maj^ 

 be given once or twice a day; nitrate of potassa, half an ounce, in drink- 

 ing water, every six hours; after the third day, iodide of potassa, in two- 

 dram does, may be substituted. Hot packs to the chest in the early 

 stages of the disease may give marked relief, or smart blisters may be 

 applied to the sides of the chest with benefit. If the disease becomes ^ 

 chronic, iodide of iron and gentian to support the strength will be indi- 

 cated, but the iodide of potassa, in one or two-dram doses, two or three 

 times a day, must not be abandoned so long as there is an evidence of 

 effusion or plastic exudate accumulating in the pericardial sac. Where 

 the effusion is great and threatens the life of the patient, tapping, by an 

 expert veterinarian, may save the animal." 



FUNCTIONAL AND ORGANIC DISEASES OF HEART. 



Palpitation of the Heart. This is a tumultuous and usually an 

 irregular beating of the heart. It may be caused by indigestion, sudden 

 excitement, excessive speeding, etc. (See "Thumps"). Study care- 

 fully the difference in the symptoms of the two diseases. 



