Aneurism. 497 



or less complete collapse under pressure, and by the history of an 

 active phlegmonous inflammation followed by softening which 

 steadily extends from the centre of the previously dense mass. 

 In a case of aneurism of the gluteal artery of the horse reported by 

 King and in one observed by the author the symptoms were 

 unmistakable. Other similar examples on the popliteal artery 

 and others failed to be recognized during life though attended by 

 lameness. 



In internal aneurism the symptoms are mostly indefinite. OUi- 

 vier found tympany and vomiting in a goat which at the necropsy 

 showed an aneurism of the anterior aorta as large as the closed 

 fist and enclosing a sewing needle. A more careful diagnosis 

 should have detected a retarding of the maxillary pulse and a 

 double rush over the carotid with each beat of the heart. Pres- 

 sure on the vagus doubtless led to the symptoms noticed. In 

 aneurism of the posterior aorta there have been noticed a loss of 

 life and energy, dullness, lack of appetite and stiffness of the loins. 

 Torpor of the bowels, expulsion of faeces with effort and groaning, 

 intermittent colics, lameness in one or both hind limbs, and finally 

 cramps in the hind limbs, and palpitations. In one case Maillet 

 was able to reach the aneurismal tumor through the rectum. 



Treatment. The treatment of internal aneurism will be seldom 

 calledfor in the lower animals, as the disease is seldom diagnosed, 

 is beyond reach of mechanical applications, and survival without 

 certain power of endurance would seldom be desirable. In some 

 valuable breeding animals it might be worth' while to seek pro- 

 longation of life. The most promising measures are absolute 

 rest, and low, non-stimulating diet of a laxative nature and in 

 small bulk. Iodide of potassium is often useful in man, and 

 although in the lower animals there is not the excuse of specific 

 disease, yet the rest to the circulation and reduction of blood 

 tension are not to be undervalued. Bromides may be given with 

 the same object. 



Other measures applicable only to aneurisms within reach and 

 essentially of a surgical nature include : Ice bags and com- 

 pression. The compressson should as a rule begin at the distal 

 end of the limb and be concentrated by suitably shaped pads on 

 the swellings. I^igature of the diseased artery above or below or 

 both above and below the tumor. Galvano-puncture of the aneu- 

 32 



