33^ THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



Valvular disease of the heart, as I have previously, in 

 another section, observed, is a frequent and serious complica- 

 tion of rheumatism. When such a condition is present the 

 intermittent, jerking, feeble pulse, the short sudden inspira- 

 tion and sharp cry, on violent exercise or rapid movement, 

 frequently accompanied by a fall, as if shot, are the symp- 

 toms presented to us in this malady. 



Post-mortem Appearances. ^-On examination, the valves are 

 found considerably thickened, and granular on their surfaces. 

 (In horses I have frequently observed this latter condition.) 

 It is also not unusual to find adhesion of the pericardium to 

 the heart, or an excess of serum, in which lymph or fibrine 

 may be deposited. 



Treatment. — Any hope of a cure in a disease of this nature 

 must, it is almost needless to observe, be abandoned. Hav- 

 ing reason to believe that rheumatic disease of the heart 

 exists, it behoves us to avoid, or give instructions for the 

 avoidance of, those causes likely to result in alarming seiz- 

 ures, such as I have described, or sudden death. Shocks, 

 frights, rapid exercise, exposure to cold or intense heat 

 should, as far as possible, be prevented. The animal should 

 be kept well nourished, and small doses of the iodide of iron 

 may be given from time to time, and 4n severe palpitation, 

 with pain, sedatives, with counter-irritation over the left side, 

 may be had recourse to. Constipation, diarrhoea, or, indeed, 

 anything causing the patient to strain, must also be avoided. 



The following case of heart disease, associated with rheu- . 

 matism and chorea, recently came under my observation. 



In December, 1877, a fox-terrier dog, about six years old, 

 belonging to Miss Walker, of Bromley House, Penn, was 

 brought to me for treatment. . I found the animal sliffering 

 from rheumatic chorea, and I was informed by the owner 

 that when purchased at nine months old, he at that time never 

 stood perfectly still, but always shook slightly, especially on 

 the fore legs. The dog now moved with a reeling, snatching 

 gait ; the latter was particularly observable in the hind legs. 



