CHAPTER XIX. 
DISEASES OF THE HEART, ARTERIES, VEINS AND 
BLOOD. 
1. — Heart Diseases. 
FFECTIONS of the heart are uncommon to the horse, 
but palpitation and rupture of the valves are met 
with sometimes. 
1. Rupture of the Valves. 
Causes. — It is hard to tell just what is the cause, but it is 
safe to conclude that valves were diseased in some form 
before the rupture takes place. 
Symptoms. — When rupture takes place the horse dies 
almost instantly, as it immediately stops the circulation. In 
some cases the horse may be subjected to weak spells before 
rupture takes place, while in others this symptom may not be 
noticed. 
Treatment. — Nothing tending to bring about a cure can 
be done. An examination of the heart after death is the only 
means of determining definitely whether death was due to 
rupture, when clotted blood and the ruptured valve may be 
seen. 
2. Palpitation. 
This is due to weakness of the heart. 
Causes. — It generally follows such weakening diseases as 
fevers, lung troubles, or dropsy of the heart. 
Symptoms. — There is extreme weakness accompanied by 
violent thumping of the heart, plainly heard when placing the 
ear against the side in its vicinity. This is increased during 
periods of excitement. The pulse is weak but quick, and 
there is little ability to do ordinary work. 
Treatment. — Keep him as quiet as possible, and do all 
possible to build up the general strength by easily digested, 
nutritious diet. Give a tonic of 
Pulverized Digitalis % pound. 
Ground Gentian Root ^ pound. 
Powdered Nux Vomica ^ pound. 
Ground Sulphate of Iron ^ pound. 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day 
in the feed or on the tongue with a spoom 
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