230 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
The conditions met with post-mortem in one case showed 
atrophy of the organ (wasting of its substance) ; in several others, 
hypertrophy (enlarged heart). The heart is in some cases enor- 
mously large and may rupture from extreme and sudden exertion or 
show disease of the valves on both sides. Sometimes rupture of 
the aorta may occur, 
Treatme7it. — If heart-disease exists, it naturally means that 
treatment can only be palliative, and that the animal is at least 
useless for jungle work. The only thing to be done is to give 
absolute rest, feed carefully and give tonics — iron, nux vomica. If 
the animal is feeble, alcoholic stimulants. In some cases bicarbonate 
of soda in ^-oz. doses may be useful, and afterwards iodide of 
potash in 3-dr. doses twice a day. At best in the case of elephants 
we are working in the dark. 
Rupture of the Larger Vessels. 
In cases of rupture, this is invariably due to some long-standing 
disease in the walls of the affected vessel rendering it weak ; hence 
a fall or sudden violent exertion such as ounging a very heavy 
log, may cause the vessel to burst. The usual place where the aorta 
gives w^ay is close to the valves as it leaves the heart from the left 
ventricle. In these cases the bag of the heart (pericardial sac) will 
be found filled with blood. Enlargement of the heart appears to 
predispose to rupture of the vessels. Rupture of other large vessels, 
such as the veita cavx, may occur. 
In making a post~7?iortem, if much blood is found in the cavities, 
careful search should be made for the reason of its appearance there. 
Symptoms — Are those of any internal haemorrhage, blanching 
of the mucous membranes, feeble or imperceptible pulse, cold 
extremities, rapidly failing strength, swaying to and fro and finally 
collapse. 
FiLARiAsis OR Worms in the Blood. 
This is an infection of mammals, birds, etc., by various species 
of the genus filar ia. The mature filar i^ are long, slender 
round worms of uniform breadth, some about the thickness of cotton 
or fine twine. 
Many animals and man are the definite hosts of certain species. 
The cases of human beings with thick legs (elephantiasis), seen 
perhaps more commonly in Burma amongst Madrassis, are generally 
