DISEASE OF THE HEART. 143 
left, syncope may come on during such absence, and the animal, on the 
person’s return, be found prostrate upon the ground. On the first sign 
of weakness, the cannula should be at once removed; for, should it be 
suffered to remain, regardless of this caution, the horse may even die 
through sudden collapse. 
The treatment, after the withdrawal of the fluid, is entirely changed, 
pleurisy has now departed, and weakness is left behind. The most 
nourishing but carefully-prepared food must be given; boiled oats and 
beans may be allowed in any quantity which the animal will consume, 
while the following ball should be administered, night and morning :— 
Jodide of iron. . ©... 1 ©). . «One drachm. 
Strychnias. 4. ge se oe 4 a Half acorain: 
Sulphate of zine . . . . Half a drachm. 
Extract of gentian and powdered quassia. Of each a sufficiency. 
That which will denote a fatal termination is restlessness; neighing; 
partial sweats; swellings under the region of the chest, and a distressed 
breathing, which nothing can relieve. The death struggle is as short as 
the disease has been painful. 
DISEASE OF THE HEART. 
This affection is characterized by various names in scientific books, as 
carditis, pericarditis, hydrops pericardii, inflammation of the pericardium, 
etc. All such conditions in the horse 
were discovered by examinations institu- 
ted after death, when, unfortunately, all 
opportunity of observing the symptoms 
had ceased. Veterinary science cannot 
distinguish one state from another, while 
life exists. Probably this deficiency may 
be attributed to the inutility of such dis- 
crimination. Disease of the heart in 
horses is incurable. In man, who can 
strictly conform to his physician’s orders ; 
avoid excitement; abstain from exertion; eat only such a quantity of 
such a food, prepared after such a manner; feed at such an hour and 
rest at such a time; who can live by rule;—in man, the diseases of the 
heart are only to be delayed, not driven from their certain issues. 
Practically, therefore, so the heart be diseased, it is of small import 
what shape the disorder may assume. The death is always sudden; it is. 
likely to occur when the horse is journeying at its topmost speed; when 
accident generally follows. Consequently, it is perhaps wiser to take 
DISEASE OF THE HEART IN THE HORSE. 
