DISEASES OF THE EESPIKATOET SYSTEM. 153 



The vitality is lowest between 2 and 6 a.m., and highest between 

 8 and 12 a.m. 



Diffusible stimulants assist in preventing heart-clots. 



Digitalis is good where the heart is irregular and weak, but 

 has to be used with care and its action watched. 



Cimicifuga can be used in some cases in the place of digitalis. 



Strophanthus is also a drug indicated in some cases. 



Strychnine or nux vomica is also good as a heart tonic, and 

 can be given with strophanthus. 



In cases of sudden heart failure, about the time of crisis, ether, 

 hypodermically, or the use of ammonia — the aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia or carbonate of ammonia. 



Nitroglycerine, given where carbonate of ammonia seems to 

 fail; good neurotic, beginning small doses. 



Camphor is good in these cases; it adds rapidity and force to 

 the heart's action. 



If the cough be distressing, opium may be given in an elec- 

 tuary. 



Muriate of iron, where low temperature, weak heart ; add digi- 

 talis. 



Drink. — The animal should receive drinking-water four, five, 

 or six times a day, receiving small quantities at a time. 



if the heart is weak and the animal is not feeding well, give 

 whiskey or alcohol in the drinking water, or with a syringe, about 

 every four hours. This is especially indicated from 11 p.m. to 

 2 a.m., when the vital forces are lowest. 



Potassium nitrate may be added to the water, or, if indicated, 

 five or ten grains of tartar emetic. 



The Diet. — This is very important, as by the way the animal 

 eats we are enabled to give a fair prognosis. 



Examine the manger yourself; have it washed out while you 

 are there. 



Take a clean pail and let the man make a mash, adding a 

 pinch of salt, and see how the animal eats. 



Give small quantities at a time, and feed four or five times a 

 day. If it won't eat bran, add a few oats, making layers. 



Steamed oats may be given, if the animal won't eat anything 

 else. 



Grass, carrots, apples, and the like. 



Coax the animal to eat, as upon its eating depends, to a great 

 extent, the successful issue of the disease. 



