DISEASES OF HEART, BLOOD VESSELS, AND LYMPHATICS. 259 
blood passes, or preventing a proper coaptation of the valves, which 
may produce most serious valvular disease. 
Symptoms—tThese are frequently uncertain; they may, however, 
be suspected when the action of the heart suddenly becomes embar- 
rassed with irregular and confused pulsations, great difficulty of 
breathing, and the usual signs dependent upon the imperfect ar- 
terialization of the blood. 
Treatment.—Stimulants, whisky, or carbonate of ammonia may 
be of service. 
PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 
This is a tumultuous and usually irregular beating of the heart. 
It may be due to a variety of causes, both functional and organic. 
It may occur as a result of indigestion, fright, increased nervous- 
ness, sudden excitement, excessive speeding, etc. (See “'Thumps,” 
p. 225.) 
Symptoms.—The heart may act with such violence that each beat 
may jar the whole body of the animal; very commonly it may be 
heard at a short distance away from the animal. It can usually be 
traced very readily to the exciting cause, which we may be able to 
avoid or overcome in the future and thereby obviate subsequent 
attacks. Rest, a mild stimulant, or a dose or two of tincture of digi- 
talis or opium will generally give prompt relief. When it is due to 
organic impairment of the heart it must be regarded as a symptom, 
not as a matter of primary specific treatment. 
SYNCOPE, OR FAINTING. 
Actual fainting rarely occurs among horses. It may, however, be 
induced by a rapid and great loss of blood, pain of great intensity, a 
mechanical interference with-the circulation of the brain, etc. 
Symptoms.—Syncope is characterized by a decrease or temporary 
suspension of the action of the heart and respiration, with partial or 
total loss of consciousness. It generally occurs suddenly, though 
there may be premonitory symptoms, as giddiness, or vertigo, dilated 
pupil, staggering, blanching of the visible mucous membranes, a rap- 
idly sinking pulse, and dropping to the ground. The pulse is feeble 
or ceases to beat; the surface of the body turns cold; breathing is | 
scarcely to be perceived, and the animal may be entirely unconscious. ' 
This state is uncertain in duration—generally it lasts only a few 
minutes; the circulation becomes restored, breathing becomes more 
distinct, and consciousness and muscular strength return. In cases 
attended with much hemorrhage or organic disease of the heart, the 
fainting fit may be fatal; otherwise it will prove but a transient 
oceurrence. In paralysis of the heart the symptoms may be exactly 
similar to syncope. Syncope may be distinguished from apoplexy by 
