PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT I09 



of .aconite (H., 3i) and spirit of chloroform, §-i; D., 1Tl,v-x tine, 

 aconiti with 3ss of spirit of chloroform given in water every three 

 hours. This remedy may be prescribed in palpitation, when the 

 cardiac pulsations are strong and the sounds loud and clear, but if 

 the apex beat is feeble and the sounds muffled, then digitalis or other 

 heart stimulant is in order. The addition of tincture of belladonna 

 to the aconite may increase its efficiency in palpitation (H., 3iii; D., 

 niv). 



Digitalis is the most important drug in chronic heart disease. 

 The fluidextract may be used (H., 3ss^i; C, i; D., n^i), or the 

 tincture (D., TT\v-x) given twice or t3rrice 'daily. Digitalis may 

 often be combined to advantage with strychnine sulphate in solu- 

 tion (H., gr. i-ii; D., gr, 1/120 to 1/30). 



As substitutes for digitalis, we have the tincture of strophanthus 

 (H. and C, 3iii-vi; D., T1X x-xx) or caffeine (H., 5i-ii; D., gr. ss- 

 iii), which do not cause tfoe vascular spasm produced by digitalis 

 and may be used alternately or as substitutes for digitalis. They 

 are generally not so efficient, however. When the vascular tension 

 is high, nitroglycerin (H. and C, oss-i; D., Tl\i) may be combined 

 with digitalis to offset its effects upon the vessels. 



Morphine injected under the skin is the most useful agent in 

 relieving dyspnea (H., gr. v; D., gr. % to y 2 ). 



The occurrence of dropsy calls for the use of purgatives and 

 diuretics. For the horse, an aloes ball ; cattle, salts ; and for dogs, 

 compound jalap powder, 3ss. Digitalis is a good diuretic, but for 

 larger patients it may be given with potassium acetate, §i-ii; for 

 dogs, a combination of digitalis and squill, each gr. i, with calomel, 

 gr. ss, in pill is of advantage administered thrice daily. 



When the heart is dilated and engorged with blood, as indicated 

 by severe dyspnea, cyanosis and great disturbance of rhythm, no 

 measure is so life-saving as venesection (see p. 2*83). 



In old animals, and otherwise when atheroma and fibroid de- 

 generation of the heart may be suspected, sodium iodide, given for 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



