486 



DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 



plicate arterial lesions, and determine gangrene of the member 

 (Cadéac et Malet). 



2. Thrombosis of the axillary trunk is marked by a lameness of 

 the corresponding anterior member ; the flexion of the bony rays 

 is very limited, the toe is dragged upon the ground ; the animals 

 stumble and sometimes fall ; we observe trembling in the mus- 

 cular mass of the shoulder. We have never observed respiratory 

 troubles, or cardiac excitement, or congestion of the mucous 

 membranes. Abnormal phenomena ordinarily disappear in a few 

 minutes. 



3. Thrombosis of the arteries of the pelvis lead to paralysis of 

 the rectum, bladder, tail, and croup (Kolb). 



Treatment. The treatment of these diseases is quite limited 

 and very uncertain in its results. The therapeutic agents adminis- 

 tered internally (iodide of potassium, alkalies) are generally ineffi- 

 cient. Massage of the thrombus throuo^h the rectal walls, which is 

 recommended by Colin and Bayer, is more important. It consists 

 of slight and repeated pressures performed upon the obliterated 

 portion of the artery, the clot of which may become loosened and 

 reabsorbed (?) ; it has the danger, however, of exposing the patient 

 to emboli produced by the débris of the thrombus. 



Stimulation of the cardiac muscle by regular exercise has been 

 advised, in order to increase the blood pressure and promote the 

 circulation. However, absolute rest prolonged for several weeks 

 has produced effects which were indeed very satisfactory in some 

 cases (resorption or organization of the clot) ; in other instances 

 the thrombus increased in size under the influence of immobil- 

 ization. 



Thrombosis of the heart is observed in diseases of the endo- 

 cardium, particularly in ulcerating valvular endocarditis; here the 

 cardiac weakness and slackening of the blood-flow act as predis- 

 posing causes. When they reduce the dimensions of the orifices 

 they are accompanied by general troubles ; we then observe symp- 

 toms of the contraction of the corresponding orifice and later those 

 of dilatation of the heart. They also determine sometimes emboli 

 in the lungs and peripheral organs. The thrombi adhere firmly 

 to the surface of the endocardium, and must not be confounded 

 with the fibrinous clots found when death is attended with great 

 agony. 



