I9 6 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



and the heart's pulsations become feeble to hearing, touch and 

 vision. The area of cardiac dulness extends upward and back- 

 ward. Irregular, feeble pulse, dyspnea and cyanosis, muffled, im- 

 perceptible heartbeats ensue. 



Treatment. — The use of an ice-bag over the heart and morphine 

 and atropine under the skin (H., morphine gr. v, atropine, gr. I ; D., 

 morphine, gr. }i-%> atropine gr. 1/150 are indicated in the first 

 stage to quiet the heart. Tincture of aconite may be used for this 

 purpose, particularly if there is much fever (H., 3i; D., Tt\ v-x), 

 and repeated every few hours until the pulse is lowered. When the 

 pulse begins to weaken, as the disease proceeds, whisky or aromatic 

 spirit of ammonia are useful (of either, H. gii ; D. 3i, frequently 

 repeated) ; while strychnine should be given under the skin (H., 

 gr i; D., gr. 1/60-1/30). Digitalis does not act Well in fever or 

 when there is so much pressure on the heart. When the effusion, 

 dyspnea and cyanosis are marked, puncture of the pericardium is 

 in order. The skin is incised over the anterior edge of the fifth 

 or sixth rib about four inches above the lower border of the breast, 

 in the horse ; and puncture is done with a trochar and canula. Great 

 care must be used to avoid wounding the heart. To promote absorp- 

 tion, When paracentesis is not done, the application of repeated fly 

 blisters over the heart and the use of sodium iodide internally (H., 

 3iii; D., x thrice daily) are most effective measures. Absolute rest 

 is requisite throughout and an easily digestible and laxative diet. 



Periodic Ophthalmia in Horses. 



This disease pathologically appears to be a periodic, infectious, 

 irido-choroiditis. The exact cause of the disease is still supposi- 

 titious, however. Heredity strongly predisposes in the offspring of 

 parents subject to the disease. It, is more apt to occur in animals 

 with weakened vitality, and damp or wet environment seems to es^ 

 pecially favor the disorder. Under improved surroundings and 

 hygiene it is not nearly so frequent as formerly. 



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