FUNCTIONAI, IRREGUI^ARITY IN THE RYTHM OF 

 THE HEART. 



Associated or not with palpitation, irregularity in the force or 

 frequency of the heart-beats is sometimes met with at intervals 

 or independently of any further indication of structural disease. 

 Particularly in the greyhound and certain other breeds of dogs 

 the temporary occurrence of intermitting action of the heart is a 

 frequent though a very transient condition. It may be excited by 

 some emotion or excitement such as the attentions of the owner, 

 or the straining anxiety in the immediate anticipation of the chase. 

 Here again digitalis is pronounced the great panacea though it 

 need not be resorted to unless the habit interferes with the use- 

 fulness of the animal. If in any degree dependent on weakness, 

 that must be counteracted by a systematic tonic treatment. 



312 



