470 Veterinary Medicine. 



Diseases in the muscular substance of the heart, as cysts, 

 abscess, etc., frequently extend to the endocardium. 



Among other causes must be mentioned disease- changes in 

 the blood. These may act on the valves directly, as in the case of 

 lactic acid injected by Dr. Richardson, into the peritoneum with 

 the view of producing rheumati.sm and successfully as regards 

 the lesions of the cardiac valves ; or indirectly by determining 

 coagulation and irritation of the lining membrane coming into 

 contact with the clot. The very fibrinous and plastic state of the 

 blood in extensive inflammations is a probable cause of the occur- 

 rence of clots in the heart, and the frequency of such clots in the 

 dog has been ascribed to the plasticity of his blood (I<eblanc). 

 The injection of pus into the blood or the absorption of microbes 

 from diseased surfaces will sometimes produce ulcerative disease 

 of the valves. The same is true as regards the germs of ompha- 

 litis, pneumonia, arthritis and other infectious diseases. 



I,afosse records certain cases of endocarditis due to extension 

 of the disease from inflamed veins. 



Prognosis, Endocarditis is always attended with great danger 

 to life, but it is more likely to terminate in chronic valvular 

 disease which quite unfits the animal for useful work. Mild 

 cases may terminate in complete recovery. 



Treatment. This is in the main the same as that adopted in 

 the early stages of pericarditis. Absolute rest is of prime im- 

 portance, lyaxatives, sedatives and counterirritants are to be 

 mainly relied upon. Acetanilid will reduce excess of tempera- 

 ture but endangers heart failure. Belladonna and chloroform on 

 the chest behind the left elbow may be used. As there is not 

 the same danger from effusion, diuretics need not be pushed to 

 the same extent. Digitalis must be avoided if possible until the 

 high fever subsides. This applies equally to strophanthus, 

 convalaria and other heart tonics. In infective cases quinia, 

 salicylate of soda, salol, or hyposulphite of soda may be given, 

 lyater give tincture of muriate of iron. 



In rheumatic cases, treat as for an acute attack or rheumatism. 

 Frequent large doses of salicylate of soda or salol, large doses of 

 acetate of potass and colchicum, warm clothing and counter- 

 irritants to the region of the heart are especially demanded. 

 (See Rheumatism. ) 



