Palpitations. 42 1 



nor succession with the heart beats, we can freely acknowledge a 

 neurosis starting at a point different from the heart, but in all ex- 

 amples which are manifestly connected with heart movements, 

 and readily curable by the heart-tonic, digitalis, the recognition 

 of the cardiac derangement as an initial factor is sound, alike in 

 pathology and practice. 



Nervous and purely functional palpitations are probably con- 

 fined to cases in which they are manifested at intervals, appearing 

 under the influence of some transient excitement, and continuing 

 only for a few minutes at a time. 



In the anaemic or bloodless condition the palpitation of weak- 

 ness is often observed under the slightest exciting cause. It is 

 then associated with a pallid state of the visible mucous mem- 

 branes, a weak, trickling pulse and a blowing murmur in the 

 larger veins. 



Palpitations are much more frequent in pigs and dogs than in 

 horses. 



Treatment. Quietness and avoidance of all excitement are first 

 to be secured, then the action of the heart is to be calmed and 

 regulated by the use of digitalis. To the horse 15 to 30 grains 

 of the powdered leaves may be given thrice daily, and to the dog 

 from two to four grains at equal intervals. When the disease is 

 associated with anaemia this agent may still be used in combina- 

 tion with the various tonic remedies recommended, but in the 

 smallest doses only, as the heart is usually morbidly sensitive to 

 external influences. Chloral hydrate has been used with success. 

 Bromides, valerian, and belladonna may be tried in obstinate 

 cases. Any other deviation from a healthy condition must be 

 noted and corrected, especially any disordered condition of the 

 stomach or bowels. 



